Net Zero Industry Wales’ masterclass shows how to make the most of your application to the South Wales Net Zero Launchpad

As part of the Innovate UK-funded South West Wales Net Zero Launchpad, Net Zero Industry Wales (in partnership with BIC Innovation) hosted a series of funding masterclasses during January and February 2025.

The sessions covered a wide range of topics from choosing the right funding stream to exploiting a project post-funding. This series was designed to equip organisations with practical knowledge and strategies for assessing, securing, and managing funded projects. Innovate UK-funded projects were regularly used as case studies. However, the key themes and strategies discussed can be applied to a wide variety of grant funding streams. Details on each of the topics covered can be found below.

The slide packs from all four of the masterclasses are available to download below.

Preparing a Grant Application

Topics covered in this session included learning how to select the right grant, understanding its requirements, and managing a collaborative application effectively. Sub-topics included fund selection, financial planning, IP, and sustainability.

The Grant Writing Process: Hints and Tips

The main topic of this session was practical strategies for crafting clear, compelling grant applications. It included tips on structuring answers, financial justification, and addressing key criteria. The session also explained how grant applications should be viewed and how to answer questions clearly and concisely.

Key Steps in Managing a Successful Project

Session three gave key insights into managing risks, partners, and finances effectively. It covered risk mitigation, financial tracking, compliance, and reporting to funding bodies. This session also provided insights on funded project management from both an experienced grant project manager as well as an active Innovate UK project monitoring officer.  

Continued Funding and Commercialization

The final session gave guidance on planning for continued funding, marketing innovations, and accessing local and Welsh Government support for scaling and commercialisation.  The key theme was “What’s Next?”. Thinking about how to move the project forward is crucial not only in reporting to funders but also in successfully commercialising the overall project.

For any questions about the South Wales Net Zero Launchpad and information on current funding rounds, contact jdavis@nziw.wales

Justin Davis is Research Manager at Net Zero Industry Wales.