iX Challenge: Alternative leak repair materials and methods for canal leakage and seepage repairs
Funding
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Deadline
10 November 2026
Location
England
Applications
Check the current application window with the funder
Overview
The iX Challenge is run by Innovate UK Business Connect for Canal & River Trust. It looks for innovators with ways to repair leaks and seepage in operational canals. It is a commercial challenge, not a fixed grant, and the page gives no award amount. There are two focus areas, and you can respond to one or both. The first is lower environmental impact alternatives to expansive polyurethane (PU) grouting materials. They must keep repair performance while improving carbon footprint, environmental impact, handling or deployment. The second is new repair applications or methods that fix leaks at source in wet or operational conditions, while the canal stays in water. It suits established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs and individual entrepreneurs who are UK based or plan to set up a UK base. Solutions should already have been shown to work in a relevant field, adjacent sector or comparable wet-ground setting, and should need no fundamental research and development. Ideally they have a design life of at least 10 years. Selected solutions may be invited to pitch to the Trust. Some may then move to real-world trials in a canal environment. Other benefits may include support from Innovate UK Business Connect, technical support and investor introductions. Applications opened on 15 September 2026 and close at 5:00pm on 10 November 2026. One practical point: you should give indicative costs. Solutions do not need to be cheaper than current materials at pilot stage, but they need a credible route to cost-effective use. Any trial budget will be confirmed by the Trust. Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/ix-challenge-alternative-leak-repair-materials-and-methods-for-canal-leakage-and-seepage-repairs/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 28 October 2026.
Requirements to check
You can apply if you are an established business, academic institution, start-up, SME or individual entrepreneur. You must be UK based or intend to set up a UK base. Your solution must address at least one of the two focus areas. Out of scope are solutions needing long-term fundamental research, solutions that rely mainly on canal dewatering, and general leak detection or monitoring tools that offer no repair material or method. Bentonite or clay pellet approaches that rely on slow expansion alone are also excluded, unless you can show clearly better performance.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Regions
No published award history for Innovate UK Business Connect. Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from Innovate UK Business Connect
The iX programme is supporting Canal & River Trust to identify innovators with solutions for leakage and seepage repairs in operational canals.
Use the "Find out more and apply" link on the opportunity page, which also holds the full challenge details. Say whether your route is supply of material, supply and install, licensing, partnership or another model, and give indicative costs. You can contact the Innovation Exchange team with questions.
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Create free accountLast updated: 28 October 2026