Futurebuild, the UK’s leading built environment event, in partnership with the National Home Decarbonisation Group (NHDG) and Innovate UK, has launched the second Big Retrofit Challenge.
The competition first ran in 2025 and returns in 2026 to uncover innovative products, services and solutions that can support the decarbonisation of homes and non-residential properties, improve occupant health and accelerate progress towards net zero-carbon.
Up to six organisations will be shortlisted and invited to present their ideas live on stage at the National Retrofit Conference (NRC) 2026, part of Futurebuild, which takes place at Excel London from 3 to 5 March 2026.
They will also have the opportunity to showcase their solutions in the NHDG Pavilion, connect directly with NHDG members and potentially see their innovations trialled or piloted in real world retrofit projects. Finalists will gain post-event visibility through video interviews, press releases and thought leadership articles.
Building on the success of the 2025 Challenge, where entrants such as Indie Nature and Eyesea Green went on to collaborate with NHDG members, the 2026 competition introduces a refreshed brief with a new category for digital and AI solutions.
Eligible applicants must be UK-registered businesses with a turnover of up to £15 million, with priority given to less established organisations. Consideration of resident engagement will form part of the assessment process. Compliance with PAS 2035 or MCS is not required for shortlisting, though alignment with recognised standards will be encouraged.
Entries are invited from private, public and third sector organisations. Collaborations, such as between product manufacturers and housing associations or local authorities, are also welcome.
Martin Hurn, Event Director of Futurebuild, said: “The National Retrofit Conference is the UK’s leading platform for housing and local government retrofit. The Big Retrofit Challenge is about creating a national stage where new ideas are tested, partnerships are forged and innovators can move from concept to delivery. We want this year’s challenge to showcase the very best thinking and provide a launchpad for solutions that will make a lasting difference.”
Laura Marks, Head of the NHDG Innovation Working Group, added: “Last year’s challenge showed how powerful Futurebuild can be in driving collaboration. We have seen finalists progress from pitching to working directly with housing providers, shaping specifications and piloting solutions. For 2026, we want to go even further by inviting digital and AI innovations alongside technical approaches, ensuring we capture the full range of creativity and expertise needed to meet the UK’s retrofit ambitions.”
Applications for the Big Retrofit Challenge are open now and close on Monday 10 November 2025 at 11:00 GMT. Innovators can apply via the NHDG website: https://www.nhdg.org/retrofit-challenge-2026/
