Welsh public sector bodies are being invited to bid for a share of £750,000 to develop innovative solutions to some of Wales’ most complex climate challenges.
Welsh Government Climate Innovation has launched DATGLOI, a new activity programme and funding competition for 2026-27, delivered through the Welsh Government Energy Service.
The programme aims to unlock practical solutions in areas where existing policy, regulation, funding or market mechanisms are not delivering change at the pace or scale required.
Building on lessons from previous initiatives, including the Whole System Research and Innovation for Decarbonisation (WSRID) programme, DATGLOI will focus on four strategic areas: forestry and timber sector decarbonisation; agricultural anaerobic digestion; shared transport and charging hubs; and integrated carbon and climate data systems.
The Welsh Government said the themes have been selected because they represent areas where system-level barriers are preventing progress and where innovation could create practical routes towards delivery and future scale.
By March 2027, the programme aims to have generated evidence, delivery models and practical solutions that can help the Welsh Government and its partners determine which approaches should be scaled up, adapted or discontinued.
The funding competition is open to challenge bids led by Welsh Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs) and NHS Wales regional and national bodies.
Lead applicants can collaborate with other Welsh public sector organisations, including health boards, higher education institutions and local authorities.
Successful challenges and associated projects are expected to use the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Contracts for Innovation framework as the preferred procurement route for commissioning innovative research and development.
Match funding is encouraged but is not a requirement, although applicants are being asked to outline any additional financial or in-kind contributions that could strengthen project delivery.
A total of £750,000 is available through the programme, with individual applications able to request up to £250,000. Final awards will be determined through the assessment process.
Applications opened on August 18 and will close at 11.59pm on September 30, 2026.
Full eligibility criteria, guidance and application materials are available through the Welsh Government.
https://www.gov.wales/climate-innovation-fund-datgloi-guidance
https://www.gov.wales/climate-innovation-fund-datgloi-application-form
Completed applications should be submitted to the Energy Service which will be administering the programme competition.
