Find out what the GW-SHIFT Challenge Fund is looking for and ask your questions before the 2026 call closes on 12th October.
About the session
The GW-SHIFT Challenge Fund supports short, focused research projects that respond to clearly defined low-carbon hydrogen challenges identified by civic, local authority and public-sector partners across the South West of England and South Wales.
Join Karen Brooks, Deputy Director, GW-SHIFT, for an informal information session to find out more about the fund, the types of research projects GW-SHIFT can support to provide evidence or technologies to support your net zero strategy.
The session will cover:
How academic expertise and partner insight can come together to develop practical, evidence-led responses to civic and local authorities’ net zero strategies
What the GW-SHIFT Challenge Fund is designed to support
The types of challenges and projects that could be a good fit
What is needed from the partners of these research-led projects
The application process and key dates
There will also be plenty of time to ask questions and explore whether your project or challenge could be a good fit for the fund.
The 2026 Challenge Fund offers awards of up to £50,000 for research, with up to £10,000 additional discretionary funding for public engagement, for projects of up to nine months. The call closes on 12 October 2026 at 5 pm.
Agenda
12:00 - 12:05 - Welcome and introduction
12:05 - 12:20 - Challenge Fund information session
12:20 - 12:35 - Hear from Civic partners benefiting from Civic Funding
12:35 - 13:00 - Open Q&A session
Who should attend?
Civic, local authority and public-sector organisations with low-carbon hydrogen-related clean energy challenges within the South West and South Wales
Academic researchers interested in responding to place-based/civic challenges
Industry partners with relevant technical, commercial or delivery expertise who can provide solutions/expertise for the challenges
Organisations developing low-carbon hydrogen projects across the South West of England and South Wales
Meet the speaker
Karen Brooks, Deputy Director, GW-SHIFT
Karen leads regional innovation initiatives connecting academia, industry, and policymakers to accelerate the growth of the hydrogen economy.
With over 30 years of experience in innovation, ecosystem development and marcomms, she has supported over 5,000 companies to secure billions in investment and translate ideas into real-world impact.
Karen is also the host of “The Only Way is Hydrogen?” podcast; she helps build strong networks, shape professional identities, and communicate research in ways that raise visibility and connect audiences.
Not sure whether your idea is right for the Challenge Fund? Join us to find out more, understand what GW-SHIFT is looking for and get your questions answered.