As the UK accelerates towards net zero by 2050 and securing its cleaner energy future, batteries will play an essential in enabling decarbonisation across transport, energy storage, and manufacturing. The Government’s 2030 vision is for the UK to have a globally competitive battery supply chain that supports economic prosperity and the net zero transition. A thriving, innovative, and collaborative battery ecosystem is pivotal to realising this vision.
To help strengthen this ecosystem, we are launching a fully funded Mentoring Programme to support early career professionals (0 – 5 years’ experience), including final-year PhD students, those working in Research Technology Organisations and directly in industry. This programme is designed to link the full battery value chain – from materials and cell manufacturing to integration, battery end-users, recycling, and end-of-life – creating meaningful connections and supporting the next generation of talent.
This programme is part of a wider effort to ensure that the UK battery innovation landscape is inclusive, connected, and equipped with the diverse leadership and talent needed to drive long-term success.
Who should apply?
We are seeking to recruit both mentors and mentees from across the UK battery value chain.
- Mentors: Experienced professionals from across the battery value chain. No prior mentoring experience needed as training and support provided.
- Mentees: Early career individuals (0–5 years’ experience), including final-year PhD students, Research Technology Organisations, and industry professionals.
All training will be delivered virtually, and mentoring sessions are also expected to be delivered virtually. There may be an opportunity for an in-person networking session for all mentors & mentees. The programme has two key strands: Mentor Training and Structured Mentoring Sessions.
To register for the discovery and Q&A webinar on 18th September 13.30pm click here.
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Mentors must work in the UK battery sector and have professional experience in the supply chain e.g. materials/manufacturing, cells, packs, modules, battery integration, recycling/end-of-life, end-user (automotive or non-automotive).
Mentors can be any gender who have a desire to give back and support the next generation of talent.
We welcome applicants from underrepresented groups, at all stages of their careers, seeking leadership and career development opportunities. Previous experience of mentoring is not required.
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Mentees must work or research in the UK battery value chain e.g. materials/manufacturing, cells, packs, modules, battery integration, testing & characterisation, recycling/end-of-life, end-user (automotive or non-automotive). Mentees should be looking to advance in their careers and gain insight into leadership and innovation within their sector.
Participants will be carefully matched based on alignment of goals and expectations, ensuring a productive and supportive mentoring relationship. The time commitment for mentees is around 2 hours a month for each mentoring relationship from December 2025 to May 2026.
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A key aspect of this programme is ensuring mentors are supported and empowered to enable them to maximise their mentoring impact. The training is aimed at building confidence and a toolkit for new mentors whilst also providing those with previous mentor experience a fresh perspective and additional strategies.
The training will focus on:
- Guidance and support strategies: Providing frameworks for effective mentoring, including goal setting, feedback delivery, and problem-solving.
- Adaptive mentoring and coaching tools: Enhancing the mentor’s ability to understand and respond to the mentee’s needs.
- Continuous development: Mentors will be given resources and access to a support network to further their own professional development during and after the programme.
The time commitment is around 2 hours a month for each mentoring relationship from December 2025 to May 2026, with an additional time of around 6 – 8 hours for mentor training up front which can be done flexibly spread over Oct – Dec 2025.
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- Application deadline: 23:59 on 29th Sept 2025
- Mentors will be notified of outcome by 10th Oct 2025
- Mentor Training will start 20th Oct 2025
- Mentoring Meetings will run Dec 2025 – May 2026
- Programme completes end of May 2026
Accessibility and Inclusion
Innovate UK welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. This includes making reasonable adjustments, for people who have a disability or a long-term condition and face barriers applying to us.