Funder

UKRI

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

UKRI are the UK government’s umbrella organisation for R&D funding and support, consisting of nine (9) different councils across all sectors.

What is this funding body about?

The UKRI is a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). They invest in research and innovation across nine research councils (see below) to connect research communities, drive economic growth, and create jobs and infrastructure.

Who can apply for UKRI funding?

UK-based research organisations, businesses, universities, NHS bodies, charities, NGOs and other institutions.

Key Facts

Who can apply

UK-based research organisations, businesses, universities, NHS bodies, charities, NGOs and other institutions.

Sectors & Topics

Science, Innovation and Technology, Energy Security and Net Zero, Business and Trade.

Purpose

To enrich lives, drive economic growth, and create jobs and high-quality public services across the UK, by investing in research and innovation.

Key Grant Programmes

  • Biomedical Catalyst
  • Energy Catalyst
  • Bridge-2-AI
  • Creative Catalyst

Funding Amount

Varies according to funding opportunity

Funding Rate

50% – 100%

Timeframe

Varies according to funding opportunity

Process

Varies:  may involve two-stages, including workshops and interview panels

What are the key topics or sectors covered?

Each Council offer R&D grant funding focused on their target sector:

  • Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
  • Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
  • Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
  • Innovate UK
  • Medical Research Council (MRC)
  • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
  • Research England
  • Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Useful Resources

We have collated some useful resources if you are considering applying for a UKRI grant:

Detailed information on the UKRI External link icon: a box with an arrow pointing out of it, to the top-right
Funds and current opportunities External link icon: a box with an arrow pointing out of it, to the top-right

What are the key funding programmes they deliver?

Innovate UK Smart grants are part of Innovate UK’s diverse business and innovation support ecosystem. They are designed to propel high-impact innovations from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and their collaboration partners, into the marketplace.
Find out more
Apart from the ‘open’ IUK Smart grant programme, Innovate UK offer R&D project funding on a range of specific topics covering general business innovation, advanced manufacturing, building a green future, clean growth, decarbonisation, health, healthcare and cancer research, and deep tech including cyber-security, robotics and AI.
Find out more
The Innovate UK Loan is designed for businesses looking to finalise innovation projects (TRL7-9) and lay the foundations for commercialisation at scale. Innovate UK Loans are now in round 16 (at the time of writing in mid 2024) and offer attractive terms including no security, reasonable interest rates (currently between 3.7% – 7.4%) and a 5-7 year repayment period.
Find out more

Our R&D Grant Writing Services

We have been writing R&D grants since 2009 with a market-leading success rate. Working on a part up-front, part success-fee basis, we share both the risk and reward with our clients.

Our proven approach:

Lead the entire process

Defining the project, sourcing partners, developing a budget, writing the grant application, developing the work plan, creating appendices, managing partners, submitting the application online, managing compliance, organising the kick-off meeting, financial reporting, technical reporting and project management.

Work collaboratively

If you are lacking expertise in a specific area of the grant application process, we can fill that gap. Perhaps you have deep technical knowledge, but would like support on the market elements. You might have the technical and commercial aspects in hand, but would like support in creating the project budget and work packages. We are flexible.

Improve a past submission

Grant funding is highly competitive. We can lead the process of improving past grant applications to get you over the line.

Expert Review 

We spend a few days reviewing / commenting / editing your grant application to lift your score as high as possible. 

Ready to take your R&D Grant Funding success to the next level?

We offer a scalable R&D Grant Funding Management service that grows with your aspirations. Have a question or want to arrange a free initial video call to discuss your innovation project?