Sectors
Smart Cities & Infrastructure
Innovation in the Smart Cities and Infrastructure sector is a priority for R&D Grant Funding across Europe and the UK.
From intelligent transport systems and smart energy grids to IoT-enabled public services and resource efficiency, the Smart Cities and Infrastructure sector is shaping the future of global connectivity, and sustainability.
Grant funding for Smart Cities & Infrastructure
Across the UK and Europe, governments are investing heavily in technology infrastructure to enable smarter, greener cities. We have been working with innovation-led businesses and research teams in this sector, winning many millions of £s and €s from European and UK grant funders.
Accessing non-dilutive funding in these types of infrastructure projects can offer many different benefits:
- Non-dilutive funding can provide immediate capital to scale operations, support investment in new technology and commercialisation.
- R&D grant funding can accelerate innovation and align with evolving environmental and societal priorities.
- Non-dilutive funding allows for organisations to maintain full ownership which enhances long-term financial prospects.
- Winning competitive grant funding provides strong external validation and substantiates your technology.
- Grant funding encourages collaborative R&D projects between SMEs, universities, public sector bodies and others, that opens opportunities to all participants.
Funding in the UK
Non-dilutive funding for the UK is primarily driven by national priorities such as Net Zero Strategy and urban mobility. Innovate UK is at the centre of grant funding for Smart Cities and infrastructure, with their £60m Net Zero Living Programme which has helped to support over 300 businesses.
Funding in the EU
At the European level there is the EU Cities Mission which brings together local authorities, national bodies, and investors to deliver 100 climate-neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. Horizon Europe offers funding for cutting-edge technology and innovation, fostering lasting impact and meaningful change on cities.
Success Stories
Smart Cities & Infrastructure themes for grant funding
The key UK and EU funders in the Smart Cities and Infrastructure sector with reference to research, development, and innovation funding, are as follows:
- Intelligent Transport Systems: Connected, data-driven technologies that improve the movement of people and goods, including traffic management and autonomous transport solutions.
- Sustainable and Connected Buildings: Smart technologies that enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of buildings through automation and energy optimisation.
- Infrastructure Monitoring and Resilience: Solutions that improve the performance, maintenance, and resilience of critical infrastructure using real-time and historic data.
- Climate Adaptation and Urban Resilience: Technologies that help cities respond to climate risks and strengthen long-term environmental resilience.
- Smart Energy and Utilities: Technologies that improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of urban energy and utility networks.
Smart Cities & Infrastructure funding programmes and funders
Publicly funded UK and European grant programmes help de-risk innovation and support the research, development, and commercialisation of Smart Cities and Infrastructure technologies.
Typical opportunities include:
| Programme | Funder | Grant value | Stage | Who can apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK funding | ||||
| Sector competitions, e.g. transport innovation, urban systems, net zero | Innovate UK | Varies by competition | Feasibility to large-scale demonstrator | UK businesses, often with public sector or research partners |
| European funding | ||||
| Eurostars | EUREKA | Varies by country | Collaborative R&D | SMEs in an international consortium |
| Innowwide market feasibility | EUREKA | €60k | Market feasibility | Single applicant with international subcontractors |
| EIC Accelerator | European Innovation Council | €500k–€2.5m grant + up to €10m equity | Scale-up | SMEs (UK: grant only) |
| Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities | Horizon Europe | Varies by call | Demonstration and deployment | Cities and consortia, incl. UK |
| Pillar II Cluster 5: Climate, Energy & Mobility collaborative calls | Horizon Europe | Varies, often multi-million | Collaborative R&D | Consortia, incl. UK |
| Pillar II Cluster 4: Digital, Industry & Space collaborative calls | Horizon Europe | Varies, often multi-million | Collaborative R&D | Consortia, incl. UK |
| Other funding options are also available. Grant values are indicative and vary by call. | ||||
Winning Grant Funding for Smart Cities & Infrastructure
“We know which non-dilutive funding gives companies the best shot at success based on where they are in their journey – whether that’s early discovery, development, launch, or scaling. We see grant funding playing a vital role at every stage, from startups developing prototypes, to scaling companies refining smart, automated solutions.”
Mareike Chalkley
Smart Cities Sector Expert
Ready for the next steps?
Through our R&D Grant Funding Management Service, we act as an extension of your team, taking expert care of funding strategy, grant applications, and funder engagement so you can focus on developing and commercialising your innovation.
If you are developing an innovative solution in smart cities and infrastructure technologies, we can help you identify and secure the right funding.
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