Development Funding Programme

The aim of Development Funding is to help UK companies scale, build capacity, strengthen capability, and unlock a step-change in growth.

That could mean investing in new equipment or facilities, developing near-to-market technologies, or improving the way you operate to compete more effectively.

Projects should align with at least one of the supply chain areas identified in either the Supply Chain Capability Analysis or the Offshore Wind Industrial Growth Plan. Applicants must also demonstrate how their project will increase jobs, turnover, intellectual property, and exports.

This programme is open to businesses both within and outside the offshore wind sector, as long as you can demonstrate ambition to enter the sector with a strong business case, alignment with industry priorities, and real potential for transformative growth.

All projects must be delivered in the UK, with the majority of economic benefit staying here. You’ll also need to match at least 50% of the total project cost, through cash or in-kind investment, showing your commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes.

Ultimately, we’re looking for projects that go beyond incremental change - projects that strengthen competitiveness, unlock new opportunities, and deliver lasting impact for both your business and the wider UK offshore wind sector.

Applying for Development Funding is designed to be clear, focused, and easy to navigate.

The process begins after you’ve checked your eligibility and read the full Scope and Guidance document. Once you’re ready to proceed, you will complete a short eligibility check via our online Submittable platform, where you can create a profile, save your progress, return at any time, and collaborate with colleagues.

Here you will be asked to answer a few questions to confirm your project and organisation align with the programme requirements. It covers things like UK registration, financial standing, trading history, your funding request, and ability to provide a match contribution. If you meet the criteria, you’ll move on to the full application.

The full application is more detailed. It includes a series of structured questions, along with a project workbook to help you set out your plans, delivery approach, and expected impact.

Once submitted, you’ll receive confirmation and be able to track your application through the platform.

Applications are reviewed by the OWGP team, with support from independent assessors. We look at how well your project aligns with the offshore wind sector, the clarity of your plans, and the potential impact of the investment.

Successful applicants receive tailored support over a period of 12 to 24 months, helping you to achieve your defined objectives within a clear timeline. 

The Industrial Growth Plan outlines critical priorities within the offshore wind supply chain through a “make” or “buy” analysis. Projects which meet one of the priorities listed under the “Make,” “Nurture to make” or “Protect” categories will be eligible for support with priority given to projects that fit into the “Make” category. Check page 6 of the IGP for a full breakdown of the priorities.

Typical engagement run between 12 - 24 months.

If you are receiving funding from a competition launched in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to apply.

Yes, though you will not be eligible to receive support through both programmes at the same time. We recommend apply for one programme at a time.

Yes, and vice-versa.

Typically, this would be time spent on the project and indicated in the labour costs. It may also include in-kind materials or facilities.

No, you are not obliged to pay back the funding you receive, however, we encourage recipients to consider repaying funds awarded once the project is complete and profitable. Applicants can also offer capacity reservation on a not-for-profit basis as a form of payback. This allows us to reinvest these funds into future support programmes.

Unlike Innovate UK, there is no set RTO or academic institution allowance. Funding is allocated to the lead organisation who can sub-contract elements of the scope to project partners. The total project costs, including allocation to sub-contracting, should be detailed in the application.

If you are looking for financial backing to support early-stage pre-FID planning activities for a manufacturing facility, check out our Manufacturing Facility Support Programme. If your ready to build a facility, you may want to consider our Industrial Growth Fund programme.

Alternatively, if you are looking for support to bring a new innovative product or service to market, our Innovation Funding Programme may be a better fit for you.