Funder
Innovate UK (IUK)
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Innovate UK offer R&D funding to UK-based SMEs and their project partners through their flagship Smart grant programme (open to all topics), specific thematic calls and Innovation Loans.
What is this funding body about?
Innovate UK (IUK) is the UK government’s flagship R&D funding agency offering grants, loans and support for the development of innovative products, process and services. As one of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) councils, IUK also manage applications from UK-applicants to the European Union’s Eureka programme that offers R&D grant funding to collaborative R&D projects with partners from different countries (e.g. Eurostars, Globalstars).
Who can apply for Innovate UK funding?
Applications have to be from a UK-based company (SMEs or large), but you can also collaborate as a business of any size, academic institution, charity, not for-profit, public-sector organisation or research and technology organisation. Most grant calls require projects to be led by an SME.
Key Facts
Who can apply
Single or collaborative applications from UK-based micro, small, medium or large enterprises.
Project partners can be UK-based businesses, academic institutions, charities, not-for-profits, public-sector organisations or research and technology organisations.
Sectors & Topics
Single or collaborative applications from UK-based micro, small, medium or large enterprises.
Project partners can be UK-based businesses, academic institutions, charities, not-for-profits, public-sector organisations or research and technology organisations.
Purpose
To help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services.
Key Grant Programmes
- IUK Smart
- IUK Thematic
- IUK Innovation Loans
Funding Amount
£25k to £2million
Funding Rate
50% – 100%
Timeframe
6-8 weeks after submission
Process
Online application
What are the key topics or sectors covered?
Innovate UK focus their support on following topics and sectors:
- Business innovation, advanced manufacturing
- Building a green future/ clean growth / towards net zero
- Health, healthcare and cancer research
- Deep Tech (e.g. cyber-security, robotics and AI)
Useful Resources
We have collated some useful resources if you are considering applying for an Innovate UK R&D grant:
