Ayrton Fund
Backs clean energy research and demonstration across solar, hydrogen, storage, cooling, cooking, and transport sectors.
The Ayrton Fund committed up to £1 billion in clean energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) between April 2021 and March 2026, co-funded by FCDO, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Thematic areas spanned 11 clean-energy domains including next-generation solar, sustainable cooling, modern cooking, clean hydrogen, energy storage, and clean transport, with regional focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Indo-Pacific. The fund was delivered through 34 sub-platforms via partner agencies including UKRI, Carbon Trust, Faraday Institution, Innovate UK, and British Council. As of May 2026, the committed period has ended and no successor mechanism has been announced. Companies that engaged with Ayrton sub-platforms (TEA, CCG, A2D, LEIA, MECS) should check partner agencies directly for any continuation funding.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Multiple per year.