Call for Proposals: SCALE-ASEAN Strengthening Cross-Border Commercialization ecosystem

Deadline: 11-Sep-2026

The SCALE-ASEAN program provides grants of up to £100,000 to support the cross-border scaling of mature, high-impact innovations across at least two eligible ASEAN Member States. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the program focuses on climate action, renewable energy, blue and circular economy, and health, with projects expected to build cross-institutional partnerships and support regional adoption of proven innovations. What Is the SCALE-ASEAN Program? The SCALE-ASEAN program is a regional innovation funding initiative designed to help mature innovations expand beyond their original country of development and reach additional markets and communities in Southeast Asia. The initiative supports the science, technology and innovation commercialisation ecosystem in ASEAN by connecting not-for-profit organisations with research institutions, universities, businesses, start-ups, civil society organisations, and local partners. The central objective is to move proven or mature innovations from demonstration toward cross-border deployment, adoption, and commercialisation. What Does SCALE-ASEAN Fund? SCALE-ASEAN supports projects that can adapt and deploy mature innovations in at least two ASEAN Member States outside the innovation’s country of origin. Priority is given to innovations addressing major regional development challenges in four areas:

Climate action: Solutions that reduce climate risks, emissions, or environmental impacts.

Renewable energy: Technologies and approaches that support clean and sustainable energy systems.

Blue economy: Innovations supporting sustainable use and management of marine and coastal resources.

Circular economy: Solutions that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, reuse materials, and support sustainable production.

Health: Innovations that improve health services, technologies, systems, or outcomes.

Projects should demonstrate a credible pathway from innovation to regional implementation and adoption. What Is a Mature, High-Impact Innovation? A mature innovation is a solution that has progressed beyond an early idea or concept and has sufficient evidence to justify adaptation and deployment in new markets or contexts. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their innovation has: Existing evidence of effectiveness or practical application. Potential for adaptation to different countries or operating environments. A clear target market or beneficiary group. Potential for meaningful environmental, social, economic, or health impact. A realistic pathway toward wider adoption or commercial uptake. The program is therefore focused on scaling and cross-border deployment, rather than simply funding early-stage research or proof-of-concept development. Funding Available Each selected project can request up to £100,000 in total funding.

The funding structure includes:

Up to £50,000 available for activities taking place before 31 March 2027. Additional funding for activities after 31 March 2027 may be considered. Any funding beyond 31 March 2027 depends on confirmation by February 2027 and remains subject to final approval. Applicants should therefore develop realistic budgets and clearly distinguish activities and costs associated with each implementation period. Why It Matters Southeast Asian countries face interconnected challenges involving climate change, energy security, resource management, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development. A solution that works in one country may have significant potential elsewhere, but successful regional scaling often requires: SCALE-ASEAN addresses these barriers by supporting partnerships that can help mature innovations move into new ASEAN markets and operating environments. Who Is Eligible? The lead applicant must be a not-for-profit organisation capable of managing an FCDO Accountable Grant. Applicants must also establish a cross-institutional consortium capable of delivering the proposed scaling project.

Consortium partners may include:

Civil society organisations. Research institutions. Universities. SMEs. Start-ups. Technology or innovation organisations. Organisations based in eligible ASEAN Member States. Other relevant implementation or commercial partners. The consortium should bring together the technical, research, implementation, market, and local expertise necessary to scale the innovation. Geographic Eligibility Projects must primarily benefit ODA-eligible countries in Southeast Asia. The eligible countries identified for the program are: Activities specifically designed to benefit Brunei Darussalam or Singapore must be self-funded. Special Requirement for Myanmar Projects involving Myanmar must be structured so that UK funds do not benefit the current Myanmar military regime. Applicants should carefully assess partners, activities, financial flows, and beneficiaries when developing projects involving Myanmar. What Should a Strong Project Demonstrate? A competitive SCALE-ASEAN proposal should clearly demonstrate how an existing innovation can be transferred and scaled across borders.

The proposal should explain:

The problem being addressed. The innovation and its existing evidence base. Why the innovation is considered mature. The country where the innovation originated. At least two additional ASEAN countries where it will be scaled. Why those markets or locations were selected. What adaptations are required. Which local organisations will participate. How the innovation will reach users or beneficiaries. How commercial or practical adoption will be encouraged. Expected environmental, health, economic, or social outcomes. How the project will continue after grant funding ends. How the SCALE-ASEAN Model Works The program can be understood as a cross-border innovation scaling pathway: Identify a mature innovation Select a proven solution addressing climate, energy, blue economy, circular economy, or health challenges. Identify