HIIdrogen NEXT
Accelerating UK hydrogen technology from idea to impact.
A national, tiered accelerator matching innovators with select Catapult delivery, customers and capital, all within Europe’s largest hub for climate tech.
Our partners
Why HIIdrogen NEXT?
HIIdrogen NEXT is an eight‑month accelerator delivered by Sustainable Ventures with CPI and the High Value Manufacturing, Digital, Connected Places and Energy Systems Catapults to convert UK hydrogen innovation into commercial reality.
Running till May 2026, it’s built for speed and outcomes: mobilise the UK hydrogen ecosystem, match the right innovators with the right technical partners, and create credible proof points that unlock customers and capital.
The model is deliberately practical. Selected SMEs will undertake targeted, time‑boxed projects with select Catapult partners, while a small apex group receives intensive commercial and investment support from Sustainable Ventures. The programme culminates in a Capstone Showcase, connecting the cohort with a curated audience of corporate off‑takers and investors.
We’re partnering with the High Value Manufacturing, Digital, Connected Places and Energy Systems Catapults to combine world‑class technical validation with pragmatic market access. The result is a coherent, national offer that helps promising UK hydrogen companies move faster from proof to pilots and investment.
Who should apply?
UK-based, incorporated SMEs
Open to all hydrogen themes, regions, and enabling technologies.
Ready to start Dec 2025 and deliver by Mar 2026
Technically and commercially prepared for an 8–10 week project.
Engaged, collaborative, and coachable teams.
How is the programme broken down?
Tier 1
Ecosystem Support
Regional workshops
Curated peer connectivity
Light‑touch introductions
SV Partners access
Tier 2
Tailored Catapult Support
Joint diagnostics
Catapult technical projects
Early customer discovery
Investor readiness + introductions
Tier 3
Intensive Wrap‑Around
Dedicated SV lead
Commercial milestones
Corporate pilot pursuit
Investor campaign
Showcase spotlight
Select Catapult delivery
Targeted technical projects (time‑boxed Jan–Mar) with world‑class facilities and experts.Customers & capital
Qualified corporate engagements and access to 200+ investment partners via Sustainable Ventures.Ecosystem leverage
Peer bundling across SV’s 1,000+ climate tech community; national visibility at the Capstone Showcase
What you’ll get from the programme
Key dates
23 Nov 2025
Application deadline
28 Nov 2025
Innovator selection complete
5 Dec 2025
Cohort
onboarding
27 March 2026
Catapult delivery completion
14 May 2026
Capstone Showcase
(County Hall, London)
Regional workshops
London: 15 January 2026 // Manchester: 29 January 2026 // Glasgow: 26 February 2026 // Belfast (Virtual): 19 March 2026
FAQs
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To join the accelerator, your company must be UK-incorporated. Pre-incorporation teams are welcome to take part in the workshops and the showcase.
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There is no fee to apply or participate. The programme is fully funded, with support delivered on a time-boxed and outcomes-led basis within the funded window.
Select Catapult support will be delivered under Minimal Financial Assistance provision of the Subsidy Control Act 2022 -
You retain ownership of your own IP. Any collaboration projects involving Catapults will follow their standard collaboration terms.
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Yes - previous participants are welcome to apply again.
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The Catapults are UK innovation centres that help organisations develop and scale new technologies. Through the Hydrogen Innovation Accelerator, you’ll have access to expert support from:
High Value Manufacturing Catapult – engineering, prototyping and scale-up expertise for hydrogen technologies.
Digital Catapult – support with digital tools, data integration, AI and connectivity.
Connected Places Catapult – guidance on deployment, place-based innovation and transport integration.
Energy Systems Catapult – systems modelling, techno-economic insights and routes-to-market support.
Ready to adopt Hydrogen tech?