We invite innovators from across the retrofit and renovation sector to apply to this showcase of cutting-edge building decarbonisation solutions.
NHDG and Innovate UK, in association with Futurebuild, are presenting the opportunity to highlight innovations that will help transform the way homes and buildings are decarbonised.
Up to six organisations will be shortlisted as winners and invited to present their innovations at Futurebuild 2026 (3–5 March 2026, ExCeL London) as part of the National Retrofit Conference and Expo.
The six shortlisted winners will have the opportunity to:
- Pitch: Present your innovation on stage during a scheduled session at the National Retrofit Conference.
- Showcase: Exhibit your solution to NHDG members at the NHDG Pavilion at Futurebuild.
- Engage: Connect with NHDG members following Futurebuild, with the potential for solutions to be trialled or piloted in real work scenarios.
- Amplify: Benefit from post-event visibility through video interviews, press releases, and thought-leadership articles.
Why this matters
As the UK works to meet its 2050 net zero targets, retrofitting existing homes is essential to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, decarbonisation efforts must also prioritise improving the overall quality of life for residents, ensuring healthier, more comfortable homes. The Big Retrofit Challenge is designed to support innovations that can meet these dual goals.
By focusing on real-world impact, the competition aims to deliver practical solutions that benefit both the environment and the communities they serve. Whether through reducing household energy bills, improving indoor air quality, or lowering carbon footprints, the ideas unearthed through this challenge have the potential to transform the housing sector.
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- Your company must be a UK-registered business with a maximum annual turnover of up to £15 million. Note that we are seeking new and innovative companies, so some priority will be given to less established organisations.
- Organisations must present a product, service, system improvement, or other solution aimed at home decarbonisation and health improvement.
- Compliance with PAS2035 or the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is not required to be shortlisted, though applicants should consider how their solution could align with these standards in the future.
- Applicants will be asked about the level of resident engagement undertaken when developing their innovation.
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Innovations can be products, services, improved systems or other solutions (including those enabling behavioural changes in building use) that deliver health and decarbonisation benefits to consumers, householders, and occupiers. Eligible solutions can apply to:
- Existing homes.
- Existing non-residential properties.
- New buildings, provided the solution is also applicable to retrofit.
You will be asked to select one of the following to categorise your technology
- Building Fabric Solutions
E.g. insulation systems (walls, roofs, floors), prefabricated or modular façade/roof systems, moisture, mould and air quality control linked to fabric upgrades - Low-Carbon Heating & Cooling
E.g. next-generation boilers, heat pumps, room-level climate systems - Renewable Energy & Energy Storage
E.g. integrated solar/PV roofing systems, battery and thermal energy storage solutions, local energy generation for estates/communities - Data, Digital Tools, Controls & Performance Evaluation
E.g. smart controls, digital twins, AI optimisation, asset management, retrofit planning tools, monitoring, and technical performance evaluation (fabric, systems, energy use) - Occupant Engagement, Behaviour & Wellbeing
E.g. Community engagement, training and upskilling, user-centred design, behaviour change, occupant-focused performance feedback, indoor air quality and mould prevention, support for vulnerable groups - Cross-Cutting Enablers
E.g. finance and business model innovations, supply chain and delivery process solutions (offsite manufacturing, rapid install methods)
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An offline copy of the application form is available for reference.
For guidance please contact support@nhdg.org.