Nesta
Also known as: Nesta Operating Company
The UK's innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale new solutions to society's biggest problems, changing millions of lives for the better. We will focus our energy and resources on three innovation missions: a fairer start for every child; a healthy life for all, and a sustainable future where the economy works better for people and the planet.
Activities & Mission
The UK's innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale new solutions to society's biggest problems, changing millions of lives for the better. We will focus our energy and resources on three innovation missions: a fairer start for every child; a healthy life for all, and a sustainable future where the economy works better for people and the planet.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 40% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M (sample: 685). How is this calculated?
Higher than 9% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 7% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £55,306,000 | £73,622,000 | £50,400,000 | £473,561,000 | £36,001,000 | 512 / 0 |
| 2024 | £52,412,000 | £65,727,000 | £42,066,000 | £477,856,000 | £51,365,000 | 494 / 0 |
| 2023 | £46,114,000 | £60,926,000 | £34,933,000 | £471,723,000 | £50,682,000 | 510 / 0 |
| 2022 | £21,614,000 | £41,611,000 | £33,208,000 | £511,010,000 | £42,586,000 | 523 / 0 |
| 2021 | £29,594,000 | £37,088,000 | £34,304,000 | £505,136,000 | £22,031,000 | 277 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Nesta
What does Nesta do?
The UK's innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale new solutions to society's biggest problems, changing millions of lives for the better. We will focus our energy and resources on three innovation missions: a fairer start for every child; a healthy life for all, and a sustainable future where the economy works better for people and the planet.
How much income did Nesta report in 2025?
Nesta reported total income of £55.31m and reported expenditure of £73.62m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Nesta?
Nesta has a program ratio of 91.1%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 40% of UK Beneficiary group charities with income over £10M (sample of 685 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Nesta registered as a charity?
Nesta was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 30 September 2011 as charity number 1144091. It has been registered for 15 years.
Who runs Nesta?
Nesta is governed by a board of 7 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Nesta operate?
Nesta operates in Scotland, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Nesta a registered charity?
Yes — Nesta is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1144091.
Details
Victoria Embankment
London
London
EC4Y ODS
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Nesta Operating Company
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated