April 30, 2026
Innovate UK will step down as delivery partner for the Water Innovation Cross-Sector Challenge. This follows discussions within Innovate UK and the decision supports Innovate UK’s work to align more closely with the UK Government’s new industrial strategy.
Innovate UK were appointed as delivery partner by Ofwat in 2025 to deliver the Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge during 2025-30.
The Water Innovation Cross-Sector Challenge is a £40 million Ofwat programme to unlock and scale innovations that tackle water challenges across multiple different sectors in England and Wales.
The Challenge will award funding to develop cross-sector cutting solutions – and build a network of innovators, businesses, and end-users communities from across sectors to accelerate sustainable growth, deliver mutual benefits, and shape a smarter, more resilient water future.
The cross sector network launched in autumn 2025 – and the funding programme was planned to open in April 2026.
Ofwat will be continuing to build the cross-sector network through the Water Innovation Fund. Ofwat also plans to work with a new partner to launch the funding programme for the Challenge at the earliest opportunity. Ofwat will be retendering for a delivery partner for the Challenge. More detail on precise timings will follow in due course.
Ofwat will be working with Innovate UK to make sure work to develop the Challenge so far is available for the new partners joining the Water Innovation Fund later this year.
To find out more about the Water Innovation Cross-Sector Challenge and other Water Innovation Fund activities sign up to the Water Innovation Fund newsletter.
If you have any questions about the Water Innovation Cross Sector Challenge or the Water Innovation Fund more generally, please contact us.
