DASA Innovation Loan: FY25/26 Cycle 7

This competition is focused on improving how we understand and treat serious wounds caused in conflict or battlefield environments. It supports projects that either build better models to study how these injuries happen and develop, or create new treatments that can be used quickly after injury in tough, resource-limited settings. The aim is to improve outcomes by enabling earlier, more effective care, even when specialist support is not available.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing medical or biological research tools
✔️ Working on wound care, infection control, or trauma treatment
✔️ Building solutions for use in remote or high pressure environments
✔️ Creating simple treatments that non specialists can use

Should you apply?‍

If you are working on new ways to understand or treat serious injuries in real world, high pressure situations, especially where early intervention is critical, this is a strong opportunity.

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This opportunity supports projects that aim to reduce harmful emissions from aircraft beyond just carbon dioxide. The focus is on developing technologies that tackle issues like fuel impact, onboard systems, and how aircraft are operated, helping make aviation cleaner while strengthening the UK aerospace sector.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing aerospace technologies that reduce environmental impact
✔️ Working on fuels, propulsion systems, or onboard aircraft components
✔️ Using data, modelling, or systems to improve aviation efficiency
✔️ Collaborating across industry and research to drive innovation

Should you apply?
If you are building a solution that can reduce aviation emissions and want to develop it further, prove its impact, and position your technology for adoption across the civil aerospace industry, this is a strong opportunity.

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NIHR i4i Challenge Awards support the real-world evaluation of medical devices, in vitro diagnostic devices and high-impact patient-focused digital health technologies for us in the NHS or social care system. The i4i Challenge Awards provide funding for collaborative projects with a focus on implementation research on technologies which have demonstrated safety and efficacy, and have a clear pathway towards adoption and commercialisation.

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Creative UK have partnered with Triodos Bank on the Creative Growth Finance fund to offer loans of £100,000 to £1m* to businesses that bring change, disruption and new IP to the creative industries, harness creativity with technologies and supporting businesses and are talent led.

Innovate UK and its partners seek projects that:

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–Focus on innovation in agri-tech or food technology, including but not limited to productivity, quality, nutritional value, resilience, and resource efficiency; food processing, manufacturing, and new market development; sustainability, biodiversity, and rural resilience.

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–Demonstrate ongoing contribution to the cluster, such as local innovation activities, value creation, engagement with other innovation-active organisations, and increased innovation activity post-project.

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–Align with regional priorities and the UK government’s goals for local economic growth.

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–Are led by UK-registered businesses and involve collaboration with at least one UK-registered SME claiming grant funding.

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Breakthrough 6 invites innovative ideas from appointed water companies in England and Wales to tackle major water sector challenges and deliver benefits for customers, communities, and the environment. Entries should request £150,000–£2 million in funding, with partners contributing at least 10% financially. Collaboration is strongly encouraged, particularly with SMEs and other sector organisations. Projects can run for less than a year or extend beyond 2031, with successful applicants notified by April 2026 following eligibility checks and panel review.

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The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched Phase 2 of the Innovation in Support of Operations competition, aiming to identify and fund innovative, cost-competitive solutions that can be rapidly manufactured and scaled within approximately twelve months. These solutions should address specific operational challenges faced by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

This opportunity supports agri-tech businesses looking to move their products closer to large scale manufacturing and real world use. The focus is on improving product performance, reliability, and production processes so innovations can be produced at scale and adopted by farmers and the wider agriculture sector.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing an agri-tech product ready for scaling
✔️ Looking to improve manufacturing, supply chains, or product reliability
✔️ Working on solutions that boost agricultural productivity or sustainability
✔️ Preparing your product for market adoption and commercial growth

Should you apply?
If you have an agri-tech solution that works and now need to scale production, improve reliability, and bring it to market so it can be widely adopted across the agriculture sector, this is a strong opportunity.

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This competition funds small, early stage research projects focused on improving how cancer is detected and diagnosed. The aim is to support initial ideas by helping teams test feasibility, generate early data, or prove that a concept could work. It is designed to build the foundation for larger future research projects with real clinical impact.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK research organisation exploring early stage cancer detection ideas
✔️ Testing a new concept, tool, or approach for diagnosis
✔️ Running a pilot or feasibility study to generate early data
✔️ An SME supporting with technology, data, or specialist expertise

Should you apply?
If you have an early idea that needs initial validation before scaling into a larger project, this is a strong opportunity.

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This opportunity supports agri-tech businesses that need to improve and prove their product before scaling. The focus is on closing key gaps in performance, reliability, and real world testing so solutions can gain market acceptance and move towards manufacturing and wider adoption.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing an agri-tech product that still needs validation
✔️ Looking to improve performance or reliability before scaling
✔️ Working on solutions for farming, food production, or sustainability
✔️ Preparing your product for real world use and customer adoption‍

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Should you apply?
If you have an agri-tech product that is not fully proven yet and need funding to refine it, test it in real conditions, and build confidence for customers and future scale up, this is a strong opportunity.

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Programme is designed to support the creation and growth of early-stage deep-tech spin-outs, with a strong focus on helping them become investment-ready and secure their first significant funding round.

The emphasis is on bridging the gap between initial customer validation and investor readiness, by providing targeted support, funding, and guidance to build strong commercial proof points.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A newly formed or soon-to-be spin-out in Frontier AI, Engineering Biology, or Advanced Materials
✔️ Past early customer discovery and now preparing to raise your first investment round
✔️ Looking to build clear investor proof points rather than continue core R&D
✔️ A high-growth deep-tech venture with strong commercial potential

Should you apply?
If you are an early-stage spin-out with validated market interest and need support to become investment-ready, remove key commercial barriers, and secure your first funding round, this is a highly relevant opportunity to pursue.

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Innovate UK Growth Catalyst is a program that supports high-potential UK startups and scaleups by combining grant funding of up to £900k per company with aligned private investment and structured growth support. It targets late-stage innovation across key sectors—including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence and security, digital technologies, life sciences and foundation industries—and requires applicants to have confirmed backing from an approved Innovate UK Investor Partner. Projects may involve feasibility studies, industrial research or experimental development, each with specific funding and match-investment requirements, with awards made competitively to those best aligned with Innovate UK’s strategic objectives.

This award supports projects that help turn new cancer treatment ideas into real therapies. The focus is on generating the key data needed to prove a treatment could work, reduce early risk, and move it closer to further funding, partnerships, or commercial development.
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This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK research organisation developing new cancer treatments
✔️ Working on drug discovery, biologics, or immunotherapy
✔️ Generating early proof that a treatment approach could work
✔️ An SME supporting with drug development, platforms, or specialist expertise
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Should you apply?
If you have a promising cancer treatment idea and need support to prove it works, reduce risk, and make it ready for further funding or commercial investment, this is a strong opportunity.

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The EIC Pathfinder Open aims to support ambitious, high-risk research projects that develop radically new technologies with the potential to create new markets or provide transformative solutions to major challenges. It focuses on early-stage scientific research and breakthrough innovation, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and visionary technological developments.

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Creative and cultural organisations based in Scotland can access flexible funding to deliver creative projects, research and development, long-term programmes of work, or activities that strengthen organisational sustainability.

The programme supports public-benefit focused creative activity across Scotland, helping organisations develop new work, build resilience and diversify income rather than supporting primarily commercial ventures.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A constituted artistic, creative or cultural organisation based in Scotland
✔️ Delivering a one-off creative project, production, research and development activity, or a longer-term programme of work
✔️ Looking to strengthen your organisation through business development, organisational development or new income generation
✔️ Delivering activity that provides clear public benefit through arts, culture or creativity
✔️ Seeking flexible funding for projects lasting up to 18 months

Should you apply?

If your organisation is delivering creative or cultural activity that benefits the public and contributes to Scotland's creative sector, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applications will demonstrate strong artistic or cultural value, clear public benefit, organisational capability and a well-planned programme of activity with lasting impact.

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The Future Leaders Fellowships: Round 10 competition, administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aims to support ambitious research and innovation projects across various sectors. It seeks to foster excellence in innovation, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and develop the next generation of research and innovation leaders.

We are interested in funding high quality applied health and social care research to increase and improve the evidence base about early action and prevention with health and social care services. Innovation that could facilitate a marked change in how we deal with complex health issues.

We are looking to fund research which has the potential to inform prevention services at a national level, and therefore local or regional evaluations are unlikely to be fundable. Similarly, evaluations focused on emerging technologies will require evidence of readiness for research on large-scale service delivery, including the published evidence base. All research should consider health and/or social care inequalities, or research focusing on how reducing inequalities can be integrated into prevention services. Alongside this, increasing access to neighbourhood health and social care services, moving care from hospitals into the community, and/or avoiding hospital admissions in the context of prevention are of particular interest to HSDR.

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The competition supports collaborative industrial research projects that develop the next generation of quantum computing hardware and associated software needed to deliver scalable, programmable and fault-tolerant quantum computers. Projects should accelerate commercialisation while strengthening the UK's quantum computing supply chain and capability.

This is a strong fit if you are:

• ✔️ Developing device-level quantum computing hardware or enabling software
• ✔️ Undertaking industrial research
• ✔️ Building collaborative projects across industry and research
• ✔️ Developing technologies that improve scalability, programmability or runtime performance of universal fault-tolerant quantum computers

Projects should:

• Develop innovative quantum computing hardware and enabling software
• Address the scale, programmability and runtime requirements of universal fault-tolerant quantum computing
• Strengthen UK commercial capability and supply chains
• Demonstrate a credible route to commercialisation and UK economic impact

Application rules

• One lead application per organisation
• A lead organisation may collaborate on up to two additional applications
• Organisations not leading may collaborate on any number of applications
• Previous applications cannot be resubmitted to this competition.

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This funding opportunity supports collaborative arts and humanities research projects, enabling researchers to establish or enhance interdisciplinary and international partnerships, foster early-career researcher development, and maximise the impact of research outcomes through effective communication and knowledge transfer. Proposals should prioritize arts and humanities perspectives while integrating diverse disciplines and sectors. Projects, funded for up to five years, must align with AHRC or NSF-SBE research themes and demonstrate a proportionate commitment from project leads.

This competition funds long term research programmes that help mid career researchers build independence and lead their own work in cancer research. The aim is to support strong, connected research projects that explore key questions in cancer biology and generate knowledge that can lead to future breakthroughs or larger funding.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK based researcher ready to lead your own cancer research programme
✔️ Working on core cancer biology or early stage scientific questions
✔️ Building a multi year research plan with several linked studies
✔️ An SME supporting with technology, data, or specialist expertise

Should you apply?
If you are ready to step into a leadership role and build a long term research programme in cancer, this is a strong opportunity.

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The competition is designed to accelerate early-stage innovation in battery technologies, with a focus on validating feasibility and preparing solutions for commercial development across electrification sectors.

The emphasis is on demonstrating how novel battery technologies can meet real market needs, overcome industry challenges, and strengthen the UK’s battery supply chain and global competitiveness.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing new or improved battery technologies, materials, or systems at an early stage
✔️ Looking to validate technical and commercial feasibility before moving to development
✔️ Addressing clear industry challenges in electrification (e.g. performance, cost, scalability, sustainability)
✔️ A UK business aiming to strengthen its position within the battery value chain

Should you apply?
If you have an early-stage battery innovation with a clear application, strong market demand, and a credible plan to validate feasibility and unlock future commercialisation, this is a highly relevant opportunity to pursue.

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The aim of the Scale up Fund is to support manufacturing facility and process development at pilot scale or demonstration scale. These projects will enable businesses to validate manufacturing capability and commercial viability, achieving market entry at the targeted production volume from the project outcomes.

Companies with mature healthcare innovations can access funding to accelerate product development, commercialisation and investment readiness across Europe.

The programme supports high-growth SMEs developing innovative solutions in biotech, medtech, digital health, AI, and biomarkers or diagnostics, helping them reach the next stage of commercial growth while addressing significant unmet clinical needs.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ An SME developing an innovative biotech, medtech, digital health, AI, or diagnostic solution
✔️ Have a mature product with demonstrated technical and commercial progress (IML 5–7+, depending on technology area)
✔️ Have raised at least €2 million in equity investment within the previous 36 months, including investment from at least one new investor
✔️ Looking to accelerate product development, strengthen your commercialisation strategy and prepare for your next fundraising round
✔️ Able to provide 50% co-funding alongside the EIT Health grant

Should you apply?

If you have a well-funded healthcare startup with a mature innovation, clear clinical value and strong commercial potential, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applicants will demonstrate readiness to scale, a robust commercial strategy, and the ability to translate innovation into widespread healthcare adoption and future investment.

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Provide financial support to highly innovative, late-stage R&D projects that demonstrate the potential for significant economic impact and a clear path to commercialisation.

Organisations developing technologies, products, services or business models that help consumers actively participate in a flexible energy system can access significant funding to accelerate commercialisation and support the UK's transition to a clean energy future.

The programme is designed to support innovations that enable consumer-led flexibility, helping households and businesses shift energy use, support grid resilience, and contribute to the UK's Clean Energy Superpower Mission. Projects are expected to deliver real-world impact by 2030 and demonstrate a credible route to deployment and adoption.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing solutions that encourage or enable consumer participation in energy flexibility markets
✔️ Able to demonstrate how your innovation can contribute to clean energy adoption, grid flexibility, or energy system optimisation by 2030
✔️ Bringing together energy sector expertise, end users, and commercial partners to accelerate impact
✔️ Looking to progress feasibility, industrial research, or experimental development activities towards commercialisation

Should you apply?

If your innovation can help unlock consumer participation in a more flexible energy system, has a clear route to UK deployment, and can demonstrate measurable impact on the transition to clean energy, this is a highly relevant opportunity. The competition supports projects ranging from early feasibility through to near-market development, with grants available up to £3 million depending on project stage.

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Companies developing deep tech solutions that help communities, infrastructure, agriculture, and natural systems adapt to climate change can access funding to accelerate commercialisation and scale across Europe.

The programme supports startups and SMEs developing breakthrough technologies that address Europe's most urgent climate adaptation challenges, with a strong focus on deployment in partnership with regional and local authorities.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A startup or SME developing deep tech solutions for climate adaptation and resilience
✔️ Building innovations that address urban heat, climate-smart agriculture, water scarcity, or flood and coastal resilience
✔️ Combining engineering, AI, advanced materials, biotechnology, or nature-based solutions to improve climate resilience
✔️ Developing scalable technologies that can be deployed by cities, local authorities, utilities, infrastructure providers, or the agricultural sector
✔️ Able to demonstrate a clear route to commercialisation, measurable climate impact, and adoption across Europe

Should you apply?

If you have a breakthrough technology that helps communities, infrastructure, or industries adapt to climate change while delivering measurable environmental and commercial impact, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applicants will combine strong deep tech innovation with a clear business case, scalable deployment model, and the potential to strengthen Europe's long-term climate resilience.

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PACE funds innovative, high-risk, early-stage drug discovery and diagnostic projects aimed at developing new therapeutics for bacterial infections with high unmet need. It supports Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimisation projects targeting Gram-negative bacteria, especially those causing respiratory, bloodstream, and urinary tract infections, including priority pathogens such as A. baumannii, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and P. mirabilis. Eligible applicants include academic researchers and SMEs worldwide, with projects lasting up to two years. Late-stage, clinical, or vaccine-focused projects, as well as those not directly developing antimicrobials, are out of scope.

Competition is designed to accelerate the development and scale-up of battery-grade materials, with a strong focus on strengthening the UK’s battery supply chain and enabling large-scale manufacturing capability.

The emphasis is on addressing critical gaps in material processing, extraction, and recycling, while reducing reliance on overseas supply and supporting a more resilient, circular UK battery ecosystem.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing battery materials, processing technologies, or recycling solutions for electrification
✔️ Working on scaling technologies from lab to pilot or pre-commercial manufacturing
✔️ Addressing supply chain challenges such as critical material access, quality, or circularity
✔️ Part of a collaborative consortium targeting UK-based manufacturing and supply chain growth

Should you apply?
If you have a battery materials innovation with clear potential to scale, improve supply chain resilience, and support UK-based manufacturing and circular economy goals, this is a highly relevant opportunity to pursue.

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This grant aims to support organisations in validating and measuring the impact of resource efficiency solutions within the automotive sector. The focus is on building upon existing research and demonstrated innovations, enabling applicants to deliver an impact validation report that analyzes the lifecycle and commercial potential of resource-efficient solutions. This supports government goals on Net Zero and the circular economy, specifically for on-road electric vehicles and their supply chains.

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This grant focuses on accelerating the shift to electric-powered maritime systems by funding large-scale projects that build, deploy and operate battery-electric vessels and supporting infrastructure in real-world conditions over multiple years.

The aim is to move beyond testing and into full operational use, proving that electric maritime solutions can work reliably at scale across ports, inland waterways and wider maritime environments.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing 100% battery electric vessels or electrification upgrades for existing fleets
✔️ Building charging infrastructure, shore power systems or port energy solutions that support vessel electrification
✔️ A UK business capable of leading a large consortium and delivering complex infrastructure and deployment projects
✔️ Ready to demonstrate your solution in a live operational environment for an extended period

Should you apply?
If you have an advanced clean maritime solution focused on electrification, with a clear plan to build, deploy and operate it at scale alongside strong commercial partners and end users, this is a highly relevant opportunity.

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NIHR is seeking research proposals to develop and evaluate interventions aimed at preventing and/or managing lymphoedema following breast cancer resection. Proposals should focus on innovative approaches to address this condition, which affects many breast cancer survivors. The goal is to improve patient outcomes and quality of life through effective prevention and management strategies.

The Content Fund is a joint plan between Government and industry to drive growth, build talent and develop skills across the creative sectors.

​The European Space Agency's Open Call for Proposals invites businesses from any sector to apply for funding throughout the year to develop new commercial services that utilise one or more space assets, such as satellite communications, Earth observation, or satellite navigation.

Companies developing breakthrough technologies for critical raw materials can access funding to accelerate the commercialisation and scale-up of innovations that strengthen Europe's supply chains and reduce reliance on imported strategic materials.

The programme supports deep tech solutions across the critical raw materials value chain, from exploration and extraction through to processing, refining, and recycling, while improving sustainability and supporting Europe's industrial resilience.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ An SME or startup developing deep tech innovations for critical or strategic raw materials
✔️ Working on technologies for exploration, mining, processing, refining, metallurgy, or recycling of critical raw materials
✔️ Using advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, remote sensing, autonomous systems, bioleaching, hydrometallurgy, nanofiltration, or urban mining
✔️ Developing solutions that improve sustainability, resource efficiency, circularity, and reduce environmental impact across the raw materials value chain
✔️ Able to demonstrate a strong commercial case, clear market opportunity, and contribution to Europe's strategic raw materials security

Should you apply?

If you have a breakthrough deep tech innovation that strengthens Europe's critical raw materials supply chain and has the potential to scale internationally, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applicants will combine technical innovation with a clear route to commercialisation, measurable sustainability benefits, and a compelling contribution to Europe's strategic autonomy and industrial competitiveness.

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This programme is focused on taking clean maritime technologies all the way through to real-world deployment and operation at scale. It is designed for ambitious projects that can build, deploy and run solutions over multiple years in live environments, helping position the UK as a leader in maritime decarbonisation.‍

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This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing vessel or port technologies that significantly reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency
✔️ Able to deliver a large-scale project involving build, deployment and multi-year real-world operation
✔️ A UK business leading a consortium with strong commercial and delivery partners
✔️ Targeting solutions such as alternative fuels, electrification, charging infrastructure or vessel efficiency upgrades‍

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Should you apply?
If you have a mature, high-value solution ready to be deployed and operated in real-world maritime environments, with the capability to deliver a large collaborative project and demonstrate long-term impact, this is a strong opportunity.

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The Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Feasibility Studies Competition funds short projects that explore early commercial uses for driverless transport in the UK. It supports organisations developing business cases for services such as freight, public transport, personal mobility, and specialist vehicles. Projects should last 6–9 months, start on 1 April 2026, and request £100,000–£250,000. Eligible leads include UK-registered businesses, local or transport authorities (working with at least one business if public sector-led). Limited trials are allowed to support feasibility studies. The competition opens 6 October 2025 and closes 26 November 2025, with results announced 16 January 2026 and around a 50% success rate.

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This competition funds research projects focused on developing new treatments for childhood cancers. The aim is to help move early therapeutic ideas forward by generating the key data needed to support further development, investment, or clinical use. Projects should focus on real treatment solutions and show a clear path towards helping patients.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK research organisation working on childhood cancer treatments
✔️ Developing new therapies such as drugs, biologics, or immunotherapies
✔️ Running preclinical studies to prove a treatment could work
✔️ An SME supporting with technology, drug development, or specialist expertise

Should you apply?
If you are working on a new treatment for childhood cancer and need support to generate the data required to move it closer to real world use, this is a strong opportunity.

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The Life and Health Sciences Launchpad (Northern Ireland) competition funds innovative projects led by UK-registered SMEs in life and health sciences. Projects must support business growth and strengthen innovation activity within Northern Ireland’s cluster, working with local partners such as HIRANI. Eligible themes include diagnostics and therapeutics, data, digital and medical devices, and healthcare service delivery, with enabling areas like AI, quantum, and advanced therapies also welcomed. Projects must last 6–12 months, request £25,000–£100,000, start after 1 April 2026, and finish by 31 March 2027.

This opportunity supports projects that are ready to scale clean energy solutions in developing countries. The focus is on real world deployment, testing, and expansion of technologies that can improve access to affordable, reliable, and low carbon energy. Projects should be close to market and able to deliver clear impact at scale, both commercially and socially.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing clean energy solutions ready for real world deployment
✔️ Working on technologies like solar, storage, hydrogen, or clean transport
✔️ Looking to scale your solution in international markets
✔️ Have partners in developing countries

Should you apply?
If you have a near market clean energy solution and want to prove it at scale, expand into global markets, and deliver real impact in developing regions while building a strong commercial case, this is a strong opportunity.

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The Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) funding, administered by Scottish Enterprise, is a discretionary grant aimed at encouraging capital investment and job creation in designated Assisted Areas of Scotland, classified as Tiers 2 and 3. The primary objective of RSA is to support projects that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and Scotland's transition to a greener economy.

This topic supports the demonstration of innovative thermal energy storage solutions for concentrated solar power and solar thermal applications, aiming to improve performance, cost-effectiveness, and lifespan compared with current technologies. Projects should deliver a clear go/no-go milestone before demonstration, including detailed engineering plans, techno-economic assessments, and all necessary permits. Expected outcomes include reduced levelised costs of heat or energy, improved bankability for technology providers, and enhanced grid reliability for variable-output renewables. Proposals must address environmental and socio-economic sustainability, align with Safe and Sustainable by Design principles, and include robust exploitation and dissemination plans with commercialisation and scalability strategies.

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This topic aims to develop and pilot generative AI-powered tools to enhance the digitalisation, decarbonisation, and optimisation of the EU energy system across electricity, mobility, and buildings. Projects should demonstrate AI-driven energy services, system planning, and smart grid functionalities, integrating distributed assets, flexibility markets, and data exchange while ensuring interoperability across sectors and regions. Solutions must be tested across at least three EU Member States or Associated Countries, involving traditional and new energy stakeholders, including DSOs, aggregators, energy communities, and digital infrastructure providers. The work should build on existing open-source digital solutions, leverage AI Factories, adhere to relevant standards, and actively contribute to the BRIDGE initiative.

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The aim of this grant is to support organisations in validating resource efficiency solutions within the construction sector. It focuses on building upon existing research to deliver an impact validation report for demonstrated solutions, informed by a recent or concurrent demonstration in the construction value chain. Projects should contribute to decarbonising the UK construction industry and improving circularity, directly supporting the UK’s Net Zero and circular economy goals.

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This opportunity supports early stage startups building solutions for urban mobility, helping them raise funding and scale across Europe. The focus is on high impact innovations that improve how people and goods move in cities, including areas like clean transport, shared mobility, and data driven systems.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A startup with a mobility solution already in development
✔️ Working on transport, logistics, or city mobility challenges
✔️ Raising investment at pre seed, seed, or Series A stage
✔️ Building a product with clear potential to scale across cities

Should you apply?
If you are a startup looking to raise funding while scaling your mobility solution, and want support to grow faster, expand into new markets, and deliver real impact in cities across Europe, this is a strong opportunity.

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The NIHR's Health Technology Assessment Programme seeks research proposals to evaluate the effectiveness and economic impact of technology-based interventions aimed at improving care and support for individuals with deafblindness in social care settings.

This opportunity supports projects that take existing research results and move them closer to real world use. The focus is on turning earlier EU funded research into practical applications by testing and validating the technology in relevant environments, helping bridge the gap between research and commercialisation.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Building on results from previous EU funded research projects
✔️ Looking to move a technology closer to real world application
✔️ A startup, SME, or research organisation with validated early results
✔️ Working on innovation that needs further development before market

Should you apply?
If you already have strong research results from an EU funded project and want to develop them further, prove real world use, and move towards commercialisation or investment, this is a strong opportunity.

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This opportunity focuses on developing advanced electronic components that can be used in smart systems for automation and autonomy. The aim is to help businesses create components that are ready to be integrated into real platforms, such as robotics, drones, or industrial systems, and support how these systems sense, make decisions, and act.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing hardware or components for smart or autonomous systems
✔️ Working on AI, sensors, processing, or control technologies
✔️ Building solutions for industrial, robotics, or high performance environments
✔️ Looking to make your technology ready for integration and wider use

Should you apply?
If you are creating a component that can be used in next generation smart systems and want to make it ready for real world integration, adoption by other companies, and commercial use across multiple industries, this is a strong opportunity.

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The SMART: SCOTLAND grant aims to support high-risk, highly ambitious projects providing support to conduct feasibility studies. It’s only available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) based in Scotland

The NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) programme invites stage 1 applications for research addressing health service practices with potential to improve patient and NHS user wellbeing. As a researcher-led initiative, it welcomes diverse proposals tackling health service challenges. The programme funds high-quality quantitative and qualitative research with clear patient benefit, emphasizing public and patient involvement and co-development with service users.

UKRI seeks a single innovative, interdisciplinary project under its Creating Opportunities, Improving Outcomes theme to address economic inactivity in areas with high rates of ill-health, disability, and informal care. The project will investigate local systemic factors shaping inactivity, identify effective support strategies, bridge research-to-practice gaps through collaboration with policymakers and local partners, and improve access to administrative data for inactivity research.

The Contracts for Innovation: Net Zero Living Tech Trials, Phase 3 competition, funded by Innovate UK, aims to support the development of pre-commercial innovations that assist UK Local Authorities in achieving their net zero goals. The competition focuses on conducting extended field trials to evaluate and enhance emerging technological solutions, facilitating their progression toward commercial readiness.

The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) supports innovative businesses in the West Midlands to commercialise and scale new products and services in health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and creative technologies. The programme is focused on near-to-market R&D that delivers economic growth, attracts investment, and strengthens innovation across the West Midlands.

This is a strong fit if you are:

• ✔️ Developing an innovative product or service in health & life sciences, advanced manufacturing, or creative technologies
• ✔️ Carrying out near-to-market R&D with a clear route to commercialisation
• ✔️ A business based in, or able to demonstrate strong economic benefit to, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area
• ✔️ Looking to scale your business through collaborative innovation

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Projects should:

• Align with one of the three programme themes:
  • Clinical Commercial Catalyst for Health & Life Sciences
  • CreaTech Innovation Scale-Up Lab (CISL)
  • Future Oriented Regional Growth in Engineering (FORGE)
• Focus on commercialising innovative technologies with strong growth potential
• Demonstrate a clear value proposition and supporting evidence for the innovation
• Deliver measurable economic benefit to the West Midlands region

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Companies developing innovative commercial digital platforms and services for the creative industries can access funding to accelerate early-stage R&D and bring new Createch innovations closer to market.

The programme supports UK SMEs developing breakthrough technologies that sit at the intersection of Createch and the UK's Industrial Strategy Frontier Industries, helping businesses de-risk innovation, create new revenue streams and drive long-term growth.

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This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK registered SME developing an innovative commercial digital platform or service for the creative industries
✔️ Operating within video games, advertising and marketing, film and TV, or music, performing and visual arts, or combining these with other creative sectors through Createch innovation
✔️ Developing a solution that goes beyond proof of concept and creates new products, services or intellectual property
✔️ Able to demonstrate significant innovation, commercial potential and a clear route to market within 12 months of project completion
✔️ Looking to strengthen your business through industrial research with measurable economic, social and environmental impact

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Should you apply?

If you are developing a genuinely innovative Createch solution that addresses a clear industry challenge and has the potential to generate new commercial opportunities, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applicants will demonstrate strong technical innovation, a scalable business opportunity and a clear plan to bring their solution to market within a year of completing the project.

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You can apply for funding from ESA for the Open Call for Proposals or through specific themed opportunities. Your project must delivered R&D related to the space industry

The Space4Rail initiative, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), aims to enhance the railway sector by integrating space-based assets—such as satellite navigation, satellite communications, and Earth observation—into innovative and sustainable applications and services. The goal is to improve the performance, efficiency, safety, and attractiveness of railways for both operators and end-users. ​

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This competition funds large, long term research programmes focused on understanding cancer at a deeper level. The aim is to support ambitious projects that explore how cancer works, helping generate new knowledge that could lead to future breakthroughs in treatment or prevention.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK based researcher leading a major cancer research programme
✔️ Working on core cancer biology or discovery research
✔️ Building a long term, multi study research plan
✔️ An SME supporting with technology, data, or specialist expertise

Should you apply?
If you are leading an ambitious research programme that aims to unlock new understanding of cancer and drive future breakthroughs, this is a strong opportunity.

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This competition funds feasibility studies that explore new solutions to major on-farm or post-farmgate challenges, aiming to improve productivity, resilience, and sustainability while moving towards low-emission farming. It supports early-stage projects that could significantly enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of UK agriculture, focusing on practical benefits for farmers, growers, and foresters. The goal is to accelerate research and development by encouraging collaboration with the wider UK research community. Projects should align with one or more key themes: farmed animals, plants, novel food production systems, or the bioeconomy and agroforestry.

This topic aims to improve understanding and management of the cumulative environmental impacts of large-scale offshore wind deployment, including effects on biodiversity and marine ecosystems, throughout the full project life cycle. Projects should develop and validate monitoring tools, models, and assessment methods to support Maritime Spatial Planning, environmental impact assessments, and mitigation strategies, ensuring data are FAIR and widely accessible. Expected outcomes include better-informed planning and decision-making, improved environmental monitoring, and deployment of offshore wind with minimal or net-positive impacts on marine and coastal environments. Proposals should also ensure complementarities with existing Horizon Europe projects and relevant European research infrastructures.

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The READ-OUT Digital Cognitive Dementia Assessments competition, funded by Innovate UK, supports the deployment and evaluation of high-maturity digital cognitive assessments (DCAs) for dementia within the READ-OUT blood-based biomarker study led by the University of Oxford, contributing to wider initiatives like the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative.With up to £1.2 million in total funding (inclusive of VAT), single projects can receive up to £600,000, starting on 1 August 2025 and lasting up to 20 months, to be completed by 31 March 2027. Proposals must demonstrate real-world readiness, show potential impact on dementia diagnosis and care, and be aimed at integrating DCAs into existing clinical pathways. The competition is open to organisations of any size, with collaboration optional, and projects must stay within the £600,000 cost limit and adhere to the defined timeline.

This opportunity supports the development of healthcare technologies that can be used in the NHS or social care. It focuses on helping teams move proven ideas closer to real world use by funding product development, testing, and real world validation. The aim is to reduce risk and make innovations more attractive to buyers, investors, and healthcare providers.
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This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing a medical device, diagnostic, or digital health solution
✔️ Working on a product that already has proof it can work
✔️ Looking to test, validate, or scale a healthcare innovation
✔️ Able to collaborate with at least one other organisation
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Should you apply?
If you have a healthcare solution that already shows promise and need funding to develop it further, prove its value in real settings, and move towards NHS adoption and commercial success, this is a strong opportunity.

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Ambitious innovators and researchers looking to establish themselves as independent leaders can access long-term funding and support to accelerate both their career development and the delivery of high-impact innovation.

The programme is designed to help emerging leaders build independent careers through ambitious research and innovation programmes that deliver meaningful economic, societal or technological benefits for the UK.


This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ An early-career innovator or researcher with leadership potential
✔️ Developing a novel, ambitious innovation or research programme with significant UK impact
✔️ Looking to establish an independent career pathway and build leadership capability
✔️ Supported by a UK-based host organisation such as a business, charity, public sector organisation, research organisation or Agri-Tech Centre

Should you apply?

If you have a compelling vision, a strong host organisation, and can demonstrate how the fellowship will accelerate both your leadership development and the impact of your innovation, this is one of the UK's most prestigious opportunities for future research and innovation leaders.

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This opportunity supports bold, early stage ideas that could lead to major breakthroughs in science and technology. The focus is on high risk, high reward projects that explore new directions, challenge current thinking, and have the potential to open up entirely new fields or capabilities.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Exploring a novel or unconventional research idea
✔️ Working on early stage science or breakthrough technologies
✔️ Challenging existing approaches or assumptions
✔️ An individual, startup, SME, or research team with a bold concept

Should you apply?
If you have a high risk idea that would not typically get funded elsewhere and want support to explore it, prove its potential, and turn it into a future breakthrough or larger programme, this is a strong opportunity.

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This topic supports activities that scale up the use of EU space data by addressing fragmented sectoral demand and enabling the commercialisation of innovative space-based solutions in strategic priority areas. Proposals should leverage EGNSS and Copernicus capabilities to improve the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of energy systems, urban environments, climate adaptation efforts, or green financing and insurance. Each project must focus on one clearly defined priority area, deliver a viable business plan, and demonstrate alignment with relevant regulations and policies. Activities are expected to achieve TRL 7–9 by project end, with an emphasis on commercial readiness, collaboration, and use of existing European technologies.

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The grant aims to support organisations in developing and validating resource efficiency solutions within the chemicals sector. The primary focus is to build on the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Unlocking Resource Efficiency research, helping organisations deliver an impact validation report for demonstrated resource efficiency solutions. The competition targets high maturity demonstrations and the validation of innovations that can measurably reduce emissions and improve circularity in the chemicals value chain.

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This topic aims to develop and demonstrate smart building solutions that reduce energy demand, integrate renewable energy sources, and enhance grid flexibility while ensuring user comfort and satisfaction. Projects should upgrade existing building management systems, be user-friendly, and address societal needs, including the perspectives of diverse social groups. Proposals must include at least three pilot demonstrations covering different climatic zones, building types, and technical systems, and provide methods to measure energy savings, flexibility, and interoperability improvements. Societal Readiness should be embedded throughout, with SSH expertise supporting the socio-technological interface and ensuring the solutions are socially acceptable and replicable.

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Apply for AHRC standard research grant funding to support collaborative arts and humanities projects. Projects must involve a UK-based project lead and at least one co-lead to develop and manage the research. These grants aim to foster collaborations within and beyond academia, enhance career development for researchers, and promote effective dissemination of research outcomes. Proposals can involve interdisciplinary or international partnerships and may include individual research components that demonstrably add value to the overall project.

​The European Space Agency (ESA) invites proposals for feasibility studies and demonstration projects that leverage space-based services and applications to enhance smart cities. This initiative addresses challenges arising from rapid urban population growth and climate change, focusing on areas such as urban development, emissions, air pollution, digital communication, transport, and urban overheating.

The LSIMF will provide capital grants across the UK and sector-wide to support investments in the manufacturing of human medicines (including active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished products), medical diagnostics (for disease identification and monitoring), and MedTech products (medical devices for human health). The fund will remain open until all funding is allocated.

Data-driven solutions that enhance the performance, efficiency and responsiveness of urban mobility systems through e.g. the use of advanced analytics, AI, quantum technology or real time data – in alignment with EU level interoperability and data governance efforts (e.g. common data spaces, European data standards, open digital infrastructures). Solutions that enable cities and public authorities to make data-informed decisions – particularly for the design and implementation of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), inclusive/participatory planning and citizen engagement, resilience and disruption response, or regulatory monitoring and enforcement (e.g. Low Emission Zones) – are particularly encouraged.All solutions should adhere to principles of data privacy, interoperability, replicability and scalability, while demonstrating a clear pathway to sustainable deployment and uptake.

The AMALTEA Project, funded under the EU's Horizon Europe programme, aims to revolutionize the construction sector by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and digitalization into the design, manufacturing, installation, and disassembly of modular facades. The project seeks to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and safety in construction processes, aligning with the European Green Deal objectives.

This strand focuses on early stage feasibility work for clean maritime solutions. The aim is to help teams explore whether an idea is technically and commercially viable before moving into testing or deployment. Projects are mainly desk based and should build a clear case for future real world use, especially in reducing emissions across maritime operations.

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This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Exploring a new clean maritime concept or idea
✔️ Assessing feasibility before committing to development or testing
✔️ Working on green shipping, infrastructure, or maritime skills
✔️ Collaborating with partners like ports, operators, or industry bodies

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Should you apply?
If you are at an early stage and need to validate your idea, understand costs and impact, and build a strong foundation for future trials, investment, or deployment in the maritime sector, this is a strong opportunity.

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This competition focuses on tackling the growing threat of unauthorised drones, supporting organisations to develop and validate counter-UAS technologies that can operate effectively across both civil and defence environments.

The emphasis is on building scalable, real-world solutions that can detect, track, identify and mitigate drone threats, while operating safely within regulatory constraints and protecting critical infrastructure and public spaces.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing counter-drone technologies such as detection, tracking, identification or mitigation systems
✔️ Working on dual-use solutions applicable to both civil and military environments
✔️ At TRL 5+ (or earlier stage for specific use cases like prisons) with a clear pathway to deployment
✔️ Focused on real-world use cases such as airports, prisons, critical infrastructure or public safety

Should you apply?
If you have a counter-UAS solution with strong technical capability, clear operational use, and a realistic pathway to safe, compliant deployment, this is a highly relevant opportunity to pursue.

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This programme supports SMEs developing innovative technologies for the aerospace sector, helping move ideas closer to real world use. The focus is on advancing solutions that can contribute to cleaner, more efficient aviation, while also supporting growth across the wider aerospace supply chain.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing technology for the civil aerospace sector
✔️ An SME looking to scale innovation with industry impact
✔️ Working on solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability, or performance
✔️ Able to collaborate or build a strong project with other partners

Should you apply?
If you are building an aerospace innovation with strong commercial potential and want to develop it further, gain industry traction, and position your solution for adoption across the aerospace supply chain, this is a strong opportunity.

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This opportunity supports UK organisations developing innovative technologies linked to the space sector, with a strong focus on sustainability and resilience. The aim is to help turn early stage ideas into commercially viable solutions, whether they use space data on Earth or improve how space systems operate.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing a solution that uses space data or technology
✔️ Working on sustainability, climate, or environmental challenges
✔️ Building products for the space sector or related industries
✔️ Looking to turn an early stage idea into a commercial opportunity

Should you apply?
If you have a space connected idea with strong commercial potential and want funding, expert support, and access to facilities to develop it into a real product or service with impact, this is a strong opportunity.

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Arts Council National Lottery are offering funding to people in England who are creative, or work in the arts, museums or libraries. The fund supports thousands of individual practitioners, community and cultural organisations

​The EIC Accelerator Challenges 2025 offer €250 million to support startups and SMEs developing breakthrough technologies in five key areas: advanced materials, low-emission food production, generative AI, in-space services, and future mobility. Each challenge has a dedicated budget of €50 million. These initiatives aim to drive innovation and address significant EU objectives. ​

ATI SME Programme

The ATI SME Programme supports UK aerospace SMEs to develop innovative technologies that strengthen the UK civil aerospace supply chain and can be commercialised within the next five years. Projects must align with the UK's Aerospace Technology Strategy and have a primary application in civil aerospace, although dual-use technologies are welcomed where civil aerospace remains the main market.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing an innovative technology for the civil aerospace sector
✔️ Carrying out industrial research(not feasibility or experimental development)
✔️ A UK registered SME, or a larger business leading a consortium that includes at least one SME
✔️ Delivering a project lasting 12 to 36 months
✔️ Seeking up to £1.5 million in grant funding
✔️ Planning to exploit the technology within the UK
✔️ Able to align your project with the UK Aerospace Technology Strategy

Key eligibility

Lead: UK registered SME, or UK business of any size with at least one SME partner
Collaboration is encouraged but not mandatory
Research organisations cannot lead
Subcontractors are permitted (including overseas where fully justified)
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Projects should:

Develop technologies aligned to the Aerospace Technology Strategy
Deliver clear aircraft-level benefits such as improved performance, efficiency, sustainability, safety or reduced cost
Demonstrate a strong commercial opportunity and route to market
Deliver clear economic benefits for the UK aerospace sector

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The programme will not fund:

Defence-only or space-only projects
Fundamental research
Feasibility studies
Experimental development
Projects outside the Aerospace Technology Strategy

The programme operates as a two-stage competition, beginning with an Outline Stage presentation, followed by a Full Stage Application for successful applicants.

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This programme supports SMEs working on innovative products, services, or processes through international collaboration. The focus is on helping businesses develop and commercialise new solutions by partnering with organisations across different countries, with strong emphasis on real market potential and impact.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ An SME developing a new or improved product or technology
✔️ Looking to collaborate with international partners
✔️ Building a solution with clear commercial potential
✔️ Working on innovation that solves real industry or societal challenges

Should you apply?
If you are an SME ready to develop your innovation with international partners and want support to bring it to market, grow your business, and access funding through national programmes across Europe, this is a strong opportunity.

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This topic aims to advance the observability, monitoring, and management of electricity distribution grids by developing smart substation ecosystems that integrate power electronics, intelligent devices, and software solutions. Projects should demonstrate real-time monitoring, data consolidation, and AI-assisted decision-making across multiple pilots in different EU Member States or Associated Countries. Expected outcomes include optimised grid operation and maintenance, enhanced resilience to disturbances and natural hazards, and the creation of best practices for integrating smart substations into flexible, responsive distribution networks. Collaboration with multiple distribution system operators, technology suppliers, and at least one TSO is encouraged, with contributions feeding into the BRIDGE initiative.

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This competition focuses on helping agri-tech SMEs bring near-market innovations into real-world farming, especially those that can deliver measurable gains in productivity, sustainability, and resilience.

The emphasis is on developing and scaling technologies that improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience, while supporting the transition to net zero agriculture by 2050.

This is a strong fit if you are:
✔️ An SME developing late-stage agri-tech solutions close to market deployment
✔️ Able to demonstrate clear improvements in farm productivity, sustainability, or resilience
✔️ Working in key areas such as livestock, crops, novel food systems, or the bioeconomy
✔️ Supported by an investor willing to co-invest significantly in your growth

Should you apply?
If you have a near-market agri-tech innovation with strong commercial potential, clear return on investment, and the backing to scale adoption across the farming sector, this is a highly relevant opportunity to pursue.

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This competition supports mid-stage innovation in offshore wind, helping organisations develop and refine technologies that can improve performance, reliability and cost across the supply chain.

The focus is on taking promising concepts and advancing them towards real-world application, particularly in areas that can strengthen UK manufacturing capability and long-term industry competitiveness.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing technologies that improve the manufacturing, durability or performance of turbine blades and towers
✔️ Working on deepwater foundations, moorings or scalable fabrication methods for offshore structures
✔️ Building solutions to improve reliability, monitoring or repair of offshore cables and transmission systems
✔️ Part of a collaborative team aiming to move technology closer to commercial deployment

Should you apply?
If your project builds on existing work and you are ready to advance it through structured development, testing and validation with clear industry relevance, commercial potential, and alignment to offshore wind supply chain needs, this is a strong opportunity to progress your innovation.

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Companies undertaking ambitious R&D projects in Scotland can access grant funding to develop innovative products, processes or services that strengthen competitiveness and deliver significant economic impact.

The programme supports businesses carrying out substantial research and development projects aligned with Scotland's economic transformation priorities, helping companies accelerate innovation that might otherwise be delayed or not proceed.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A business based in, or planning to locate in, the Scottish Enterprise region
✔️ Developing a significant new product, process or service, or a major improvement to an existing one
✔️ Delivering a large-scale R&D project with at least £1 million of company investment
✔️ Able to demonstrate strong commercial potential, clear economic benefits for Scotland, and the need for grant funding to enable the project
✔️ Working in one of Scotland's priority growth areas, including clean energy, life sciences, quantum, FinTech, space, advanced manufacturing or other high-growth industries

Should you apply?

If you have a commercially ambitious R&D project that will strengthen your business while creating high-value economic impact in Scotland, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applicants will demonstrate genuine innovation, strong commercial prospects, experienced project delivery capability, and a compelling case that grant funding is essential to unlock the project's full potential.

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Organisations developing innovative solutions for identifying Special Educational Needs (SEN) can access funding to create, validate, and prepare tools for widespread adoption across education and health settings.

The programme focuses on improving the early, fair, and consistent identification of children with SEN, helping ensure they receive appropriate support sooner while reducing variation in assessment across the UK.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing innovative assessment tools, digital platforms, frameworks, or services that improve the early identification of SEN
✔️ Creating solutions that support frontline professionals, schools, health services, or early years providers to identify children's strengths and support needs more accurately
✔️ Using technologies such as AI, data analytics, speech and language assessment, or health data with a clear educational application
✔️ Working with schools, healthcare providers, local authorities, or family support organisations to pilot and validate your solution
✔️ Able to demonstrate a clear route to commercialisation or adoption within existing education or health systems

Should you apply?

If you have an innovative solution that can improve the speed, consistency, and accuracy of SEN identification, and can demonstrate real-world testing, user co-design, safeguarding, and a credible pathway to adoption and scale, this is a strong opportunity. Successful projects will deliver practical tools that improve outcomes for children while supporting future integration into education and healthcare services.

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Rail suppliers with mature technologies now have an opportunity to prove their solutions in live railway environments and accelerate adoption across the UK rail network.

The programme focuses on high-maturity demonstrations that help organisations validate integration, gather operational evidence, de-risk implementation, and demonstrate measurable benefits for the rail industry.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing a TRL 5+ solution ready for real-world railway trials
✔️ Able to work with rail operators, infrastructure owners, or integration partners
✔️ Looking to demonstrate operational, safety, customer experience, infrastructure, or environmental benefits
✔️ Seeking to accelerate commercial adoption through live testing and evaluation

Should you apply?

If your technology is ready for demonstration in a railway environment and you can clearly show how it integrates into rail operations while delivering measurable outcomes, this is a highly relevant opportunity to pursue.

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This funding opportunity supports high-quality applied health and social care research focused on early action, prevention, and reducing inequalities at a national level. It aims to generate evidence that improves prevention services, enhances access to community-based care, and reduces hospital admissions. Research should address preventative strategies, early diagnosis, and interventions for those at risk of long-term conditions, demonstrating clear national impact and relevance to the NHS and social care. Areas of interest include improving prevention pathways, integrating preventative approaches, using data to deliver proactive support, and evaluating innovative service models or technologies. There are no specific eligibility restrictions for applicants.

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This topic aims to develop open-source tools and integrated platforms for managing energy community assets, optimising local energy use, and enabling seamless interaction between households, prosumers, aggregators, and DSOs. Projects should implement real-time monitoring, forecasting, and autonomous control of energy systems, while ensuring secure, standards-based communication and interoperability across devices and networks. Solutions must be tested in at least three diverse European energy communities and involve stakeholders such as smart appliance manufacturers, home energy system developers, DSOs, and aggregators. The work should actively contribute to the BRIDGE initiative, foster replication potential, and integrate social sciences and humanities expertise to maximise societal impact.

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Solutions (products, services and business models) that reduce the negative externalities of urban logistics – such as congestion, emissions and noise – while enhancing efficiency, resilience, sustainability and integration with the urban environment, especially in last-mile operations.Innovative concepts for logistics hubs and digitally enabled solutions that foster greater collaboration among logistics operators, cities and users are particularly encouraged.

This pilot aims to accelerate high-risk deep tech innovation by supporting breakthrough solutions in areas where commercial uptake is limited, while testing whether stage-gated funding and early involvement of end-users improve market adoption. It focuses on two major challenges: Physical AI for next-generation robotics, and New Approach Methodologies that can replace or reduce animal testing in biomedical research and product safety. Eligible applicants include start-ups, SMEs, and research organisations, with funding delivered across two stages to develop, validate, and test solutions in real-world settings. Successful projects can receive up to €300,000 in Stage 1 and up to €2.5 million in Stage 2, alongside access to partners, experts, and a wider innovation ecosystem.

This topic supports large-scale demonstration of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin to meet the needs of sectors such as aviation, shipping, and energy-intensive industries. Projects should engage feedstock developers, technology providers, fuel suppliers, end users, and public authorities to deliver ready-to-deploy, economically viable solutions while assessing the impact of actual feedstocks on plant design and operation. Expected outcomes include de-risking innovative technologies, supporting scale-up, enhancing sustainability and GHG reduction, and providing evidence to inform policy, regulatory decisions, and investment. Proposals must include robust exploitation and dissemination plans, covering commercialisation, scalability, business cases, local economic impact, and full value chain assessments.

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The Circular Electricals Fund provides up to £1 million in funding to support projects that contribute to a more circular economy for electrical products. The aim is to fund initiatives that encourage reuse, refurbishment, recycling, or resource efficiency in the electricals sector, helping to reduce environmental impact and drive sustainability through innovation.

This topic seeks projects that enhance the reliability, safety, and efficiency of wind energy systems, contributing to reduced operational, financial, and climate-related risks while strengthening the European wind energy supply chain. Proposals should develop and validate solutions across areas such as predictive maintenance, condition and health monitoring, component reliability, operation optimisation, and digital tools, with a focus on critical subsystems. Projects are expected to produce FAIR data, incorporate digitalisation and advanced sensor technologies, and improve safety protocols, downtime, and operational costs. Solutions should be standardisable, scalable, and support the strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and technology leadership of the European wind energy sector.

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The Zenzic CAM Competition supports UK businesses developing products or services that advance Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) technology toward commercial use. Projects must mature CAM solutions to a stage where they can be demonstrated, validated, and ready for real-world deployment, helping UK companies strengthen their position in the global CAM supply chain. Eligible projects should focus on technologies enabling No-User-in-Charge (NUiC) platforms and achieve at least TRL 5–6 or MRL 4–5 by completion. Themes include on-vehicle innovations (such as sensors, control systems, and automated driving software) and off-vehicle innovations (such as connectivity, cybersecurity, data management, AI tools, and testing services). Projects can involve hardware and software development, testing, manufacturing pilots, and safety or regulatory assurance but cannot focus on trials, feasibility studies, or non-automotive applications. Only UK-registered, commercially focused businesses can lead projects, while partners may include academic, public, or non-profit organisations. All partners must pay a 3.5% industrial contribution on grants received to Zenzic, and outcomes must be showcased at a Cenex Expo event.

Companies developing advanced materials for renewable energy generation or energy storage can access funding to accelerate commercialisation and strengthen Europe's energy supply chain.

The programme supports startups and SMEs creating next-generation materials that improve the performance, efficiency and sustainability of renewable energy and energy storage technologies, while reducing dependence on critical raw materials and imported materials.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A startup or SME developing advanced materials for renewable energy generation or energy storage systems
✔️ Creating innovations for solar, wind, energy harvesting or medium to long-duration energy storage technologies
✔️ Designing, synthesising, scaling or manufacturing advanced materials with improved functionality or performance
✔️ Developing solutions that reduce reliance on critical raw materials while improving sustainability and circularity through lifecycle thinking
✔️ Building technologies with a clear pathway to commercialisation and integration into Europe's renewable energy value chain

Should you apply?

If you have a breakthrough advanced materials technology that can improve renewable energy or energy storage performance while strengthening Europe's manufacturing capability and strategic autonomy, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applicants will combine strong technical innovation with a credible route to scale, commercial adoption and measurable environmental impact.

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This opportunity is focused on early-stage innovation in offshore wind, supporting feasibility projects that can strengthen the UK supply chain and accelerate progress towards large-scale deployment.

The emphasis is on developing practical, scalable solutions that improve cost, performance, and efficiency across offshore wind technologies, aligned with the UK’s industrial growth ambitions.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Exploring new concepts or approaches in offshore wind components, systems or services
✔️ Developing technologies linked to floating foundations, deepwater structures or advanced manufacturing processes
✔️ Building solutions for cables, electrical systems or autonomous environmental monitoring
✔️ Working on innovations that improve installation, operations, maintenance or asset lifespan

Should you apply?
If you have a well-defined early-stage idea with clear technical feasibility goals, strong relevance to offshore wind supply chain challenges, and a credible path toward future development or commercialisation, this is a strong opportunity to explore and validate your concept.

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This competition funds research projects focused on improving how cancer is detected earlier and diagnosed more effectively. It supports innovative ideas that could lead to better screening, earlier treatment, and improved patient outcomes. Projects should show clear potential to move into real healthcare settings and make a difference in how cancer is identified.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK research organisation working on cancer detection or diagnosis
✔️ Developing new diagnostic tools, technologies, or biomarkers
✔️ Part of a collaborative project with hospitals, researchers, or industry
✔️ An SME contributing technology, expertise, or services to a research project

Should you apply?
If you are working on a new way to detect or diagnose cancer earlier, and can show clear potential to improve patient outcomes or healthcare systems, this is a strong opportunity.

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This topic seeks projects that develop and validate integrated space technologies to support crisis and security practitioners, enhancing EU security, resilience, and cybersecurity. Proposals should leverage Galileo, EGNOS, and, where relevant, Copernicus or GOVSATCOM to deliver close-to-market solutions in security operations, critical infrastructure resilience, or crisis management. Projects must include a business plan, involve SMEs and midcaps, and demonstrate large-scale operational impact, with participation from at least two crisis or security organisations across different EU or associated countries. Activities are expected to reach TRL 7–9 by project end, focusing on commercial readiness and practical uptake of space-based technologies.

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This competition funds large research programmes focused on improving how cancer is detected and diagnosed at an earlier stage. It supports long term, ambitious projects that bring together multiple research areas to solve a central challenge in early detection, with a clear path to real world healthcare impact. Projects should go beyond basic research and show how they could improve patient outcomes or healthcare systems.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A researcher, clinician, or healthcare professional in a UK institution
✔️ Working on early cancer detection or diagnostic tools
✔️ Part of a collaborative research programme across multiple teams
✔️ An SME supporting with technology, data, or specialist expertise

Should you apply?
If you are involved in a large research programme aiming to improve how cancer is found and diagnosed earlier, and can show real impact on patients or healthcare systems, this is a strong opportunity.

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Women founders building deep tech startups can access equity-free funding and tailored business support to accelerate technology development, strengthen investment readiness, and prepare for future scale-up funding opportunities.

The programme is specifically designed to help women-led deep tech companies bridge the gap between technical validation and commercial growth while increasing female representation within Europe's innovation ecosystem.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A woman founder or co-founder in a senior leadership role (CEO, CTO, CSO, or equivalent) within a deep tech startup
✔️ Developing a proprietary technology in areas such as AI, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, energy, robotics, quantum, space, connectivity, or advanced sensing
✔️ Operating at TRL 4-6 and looking to accelerate commercialisation and market validation
✔️ An SME less than five years old that has raised under €1 million in equity funding
✔️ Seeking investor readiness support, mentoring, and access to European innovation and investment networks


Should you apply?

If you are leading an early-stage deep tech company with a strong technological innovation and clear commercial potential, this is an excellent opportunity to secure non-dilutive funding while building the foundations for future investment. Successful applicants typically combine a novel technology, ambitious growth plans, and a clear pathway towards commercialisation, scale-up, and future programmes such as the EIC Accelerator.

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i4i THRIVE (Translate Healthcare Research through InnoVation and Entrepreneurship) programme invites innovations at prototype development level (Technology Readiness Level (TRL 3)) and above which demonstrate potential to reduce health inequalities and meet needs in underserved communities.

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Companies developing highly innovative, late-stage products, services or processes can access flexible loan funding to accelerate commercialisation while retaining equity.

The programme supports UK SMEs undertaking close-to-market experimental development projects with strong commercial potential, providing repayable finance for businesses that can demonstrate both innovation and the ability to repay the loan.

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This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprise developing a highly innovative product, process, service or business model
✔️ Working on a late-stage R&D project with a clear route to commercialisation and significant economic impact
✔️ Operating within one of the six Industrial Strategy sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, or Life Sciences
✔️ Able to demonstrate that public funding is needed, while having the financial capability to meet interest payments and repay the loan
✔️ Looking for flexible funding to support both experimental development and eligible pre-commercialisation activities without giving up equity

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Should you apply?

If your innovation is close to market, has a compelling commercial opportunity, and your business has a strong financial plan with the ability to repay the loan, this is a highly relevant opportunity. Successful applicants will combine strong technical innovation with a credible commercial strategy, clear market demand and the potential to deliver lasting economic and societal benefits for the UK.

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