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Eurostars call for projects – September 2026

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.

Status

Active
Closed

Closes

10 Sep
 
2026

Programme

Eurostars

Award

UK companies will be funded up to €360k . Funded amount is different for each country
01
days
23
hours
44
minutes
44
seconds
September 10, 2026
Book a free non-obligation consultation to learn more about this opportunity
This opportunity is closed however there may be other opportunities that match your company.

Other 
All
 grant funding opportunities

IUK - Secure Software for Resilient Growth

Programme

IUK

Closes

29 Apr
 
2026

Award

Between £250,000 and £750,000
All
All

Category

Defence
AI
All

This competition is funding projects that help make software more secure and protect businesses from cyber attacks. The goal is to support companies in building and adopting better security practices across their software supply chains, helping the UK grow safer and more resilient digital systems. Projects should focus on real solutions that improve how software is built, managed, and protected.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Building cyber security or software protection solutions
✔️ Working on tools that improve secure software development
✔️ Part of a team or partnership working on software or digital systems
✔️ Helping businesses adopt better security practices, including through engagement and training

Should you apply?

If you are developing a solution that improves software security, particularly within the software supply chain, and are aiming to help businesses reduce cyber risk while scaling in the UK market, this represents a strong opportunity.

EIC Transition

Programme

EIC

Closes

16 Sep
 
2026

Award

Up to €2.5M
All
All

Category

All

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.

Our team has delivered

£185m+

Grant funding won by our team

100’s

Grant applications won

>25x

Average ROI for our clients

Other grant funding opportunities

IUK MSI: SME resource and energy efficiency – industrial research

Programme

IUK

Closes

December 11, 2025

Award

£200k to £1 million
All
All

UK-registered organisations can apply for a share of £15.5 million to develop industrial digital technologies that improve resource or energy efficiency in SME manufacturers. Projects must be UK-based collaborations led by an SME technology developer, include at least two manufacturing SMEs, last 6–12 months, and deliver affordable, easy-to-use and scalable digital solutions aligned with specified resource or energy efficiency themes. Funding will not support projects that duplicate existing initiatives, lack meaningful innovation, fall outside manufacturing environments, or focus on activities such as warehousing, distribution, construction, off-site repair, or product design for manufacture.

EIC Transition

Programme

EIC

Closes

September 16, 2026

Award

Up to €2.5M
All
All

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.

Smart Grant

Programme

Innovate UK

Closes

April 30, 2024

Award

£100k to £2m
All
All
<£100k

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for game-changing and commercially viable R&D innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy. This funding is from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.

IUK AgriScale - Accelerating Agri-tech manufacturing: Industrial Research

Programme

IUK

Closes

June 3, 2026

Award

Between £250,000 and £750,000
All
All

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

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.

Scotland:Regional Selective Assistance funding

Programme

Scotland

Closes

September 30, 2025

Award

£150K
All
All

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.

NIHR: Early action and prevention within Health and Social Care Services Phase 1

Programme

NIHR

Closes

January 21, 2026

Award

TBC
All
All

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.

PACE: New call for proposals: 2025 Antibacterial Therapeutics

Programme

PACE

Closes

November 5, 2025

Award

£1,000,000.00
All
All

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.

European Space Agency

Programme

European Space Agency

Closes

December 30, 2025

Award

€60k to €3 million +
All
All
£500k+

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

Ofwat: Water Breakthrough Challenge 6: Catalyst Stream

Programme

Ofwat

Closes

January 6, 2026

Award

£150,000 – £2 million
All
All

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.

IUK Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D Partnership Projects Rd 4

Programme

IUK

Closes

November 5, 2025

Award

£200k to £500k
All
All

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.

NIHR: Prevention and/or management of lymphoedema following Breast Cancer Resection

Programme

NIHR

Closes

September 5, 2024

Award

£500,000
All
All
£100k to £500k

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.

Research for Patient Benefit - Competition 56 NIHR

Programme

NIHR

Closes

March 5, 2025

Award

Unspecified
All
All

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.

ESA: SPACE FOR INTERMODAL TRANSPORT

Programme

ESA

Closes

September 12, 2025

Award

TBC
All
All

The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched the "Space for Intermodal Transport" funding opportunity to support European teams in developing sustainable, space-based services and applications that enhance intermodal transport for both freight and passengers. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency, flexibility, and environmental sustainability of transportation systems by integrating multiple modes of transport through innovative solutions utilizing satellite data and space-based technologies. ​

IUK: DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund

Programme

IUK

Closes

December 3, 2025

Award

£2.5 million - £20 million
All
All

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.

EU Horizon "Demonstration of thermal energy storage solutions for solar thermal plants and systems HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-05"

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 17, 2026

Award

€7.5M
All
All

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.

Open Call for Innovation: CY2025 - Cycle 4

Programme

DASA

Closes

December 16, 2025

Award

Feasibility £125,000 or Prototype Development: £350,000
All
All

The DASA Open Call for Innovation aims to identify and fund innovative ideas that enhance the defence and security of the UK. It provides a broad mechanism for innovators to present disruptive concepts, technologies, or services to defence and security stakeholders, even in the absence of a specific requirement.

EU Horizon Space Data Economy

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 24, 2026

Award

£1.5M - £2.5M
All
All

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.

Eureka EUROGIA CALL30

Programme

Eureka

Closes

April 30, 2026

Award

3 to 5M
All
All

This programme supports international projects focused on low carbon energy and sustainability. It brings together companies and research teams from different countries to develop and scale solutions that help reduce emissions, improve energy systems, and support greener industries. Projects should be collaborative and focused on real world applications that can deliver environmental and commercial impact.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Working on energy, climate, or sustainability solutions
✔️ Developing technologies like hydrogen, renewables, or smart energy systems
✔️ Have at least 2international partners from EUREKA participating countries and beyond
✔️ Building solutions with clear commercial or environmental impact

Should you apply?
If you want to grow your solution through international collaboration, access funding across multiple countries, and bring a low carbon innovation closer to market while solving real world energy challenges, this is a strong opportunity.

IUK:Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Automotive Impacts

Programme

IUK

Closes

August 27, 2025

Award

between £50,000 and £300,000, inclusive of VAT
All
All

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.

IUK:Battery Innovation Feasibility Studies Round 1

Programme

IUK

Closes

December 17, 2025

Award

£70K and £500K
All
All

The UK Battery Innovation Competition funds projects that advance battery technology and strengthen the UK supply chain. It supports innovations in materials, manufacturing, testing, and recycling to reduce costs, boost performance and safety, and cut environmental impact. Priority areas include production process optimisation, battery reuse and recycling, and building a resilient, sustainable UK supply chain. Projects may trial new technologies, adapt existing methods, or commercialise scientific advances for sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy storage, and defence. Grants range from £70,000 to £500,000 for projects lasting 6–18 months, led by a UK-registered business with at least one SME partner. Collaborators can include other businesses, universities, RTOs, or charities. Projects focusing on system integration or non-rechargeable batteries are not eligible.

Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: Round 24

Programme

IUK

Closes

January 8, 2026

Award

£100,000 to £5 million
All
All

This funding opportunity provides loans of £100,000 to £5 million for late-stage R&D projects by UK-registered SMEs. It targets highly innovative projects with clear commercialisation routes and significant economic impact, especially in future economy areas highlighted by Innovate UK. Applicants must show a need for public funding, the ability to repay loans, and a credible repayment plan. Eligible projects should deliver new or significantly improved products, processes, or services and fall within key areas such as Net Zero (energy, industrial processes, agriculture, food, capital intensity), Health and Wellbeing (ill health, wellbeing, diet, food), and Next Generation Digital and Technology Families (AI, advanced computing, bioinformatics, genomics, robotics, smart machines, advanced materials, quantum, energy and environment technologies). Funding is awarded competitively across multiple rounds, with project durations of up to five years covering both R&D and commercialisation phases.

DASA Innovation Loan: FY25/26 Cycle 7

Programme

DASA

Closes

March 24, 2026

Award

£100,000 - £1M
All
All

This competition offers loan funding to help UK SMEs bring defence innovations to market. It is designed for companies with more developed technologies that are ready to scale and commercialise. The focus is on supporting businesses that can meet real defence needs while also delivering commercial value in the UK or globally.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK based SME with a defence related innovation
✔️ Ready to commercialise an existing product or technology
✔️ Able to take on a loan and demonstrate how you will repay it
✔️ Building a solution with clear defence and commercial use

Should you apply?
If you have a mature defence innovation and need funding to bring it to market while growing your business, this is a strong opportunity.

ARIA: Rolling opportunity seeds

Programme

ARIA

Closes

October 31, 2026

Award

£10k - £500K
All
All

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.

Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D Partnership Projects Rd 4

Programme

IUK

Closes

November 5, 2025

Award

£1m - £3m
All
All

This competition offers up to £7.8 million to support collaborative R&D projects (£1m–£3m eligible costs) that improve productivity, sustainability, and resilience in English agriculture, accelerate the transition to net zero, and deliver clear commercial benefits to farmers, growers, or foresters. Projects must be collaborative, include at least one SME, involve end users and the UK research community, last up to 30 months, and demonstrate strong knowledge exchange plans to drive sector-wide adoption.

IUK:Frontier AI Discovery

Programme

IUK

Closes

June 10, 2026

Award

£25K to £50K
All
All

This opportunity supports very early stage AI ideas, helping teams move from rough concepts to tested solutions. There are two entry points depending on how developed your idea is, either exploring the idea at a very early stage or testing whether it can actually work in practice. The goal is to help shape strong AI innovations and prepare them for further development and larger funding.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Exploring a new AI idea that is still being shaped
✔️ Testing whether an AI concept is technically possible
✔️ Building early proof that your solution can work
✔️ Looking to move from idea stage into structured development

Should you apply?
If you have an early stage AI idea and want funding to explore it, test feasibility, and build a clear path towards a more developed and scalable solution ready for future funding stages, this is a strong opportunity.

EU Horizon Innovative solutions for a generative AI-powered digital spine of the EU energy system HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-19

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 17, 2026

Award

€8M
All
All

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.

Women TechEU

Programme

Women TechEU

Closes

August 4, 2025

Award

€75k
All
All

The Women TechEU programme aims to empower women entrepreneurs leading early-stage deep tech start-ups across Europe. Its primary goal is to foster a more gender-balanced innovation ecosystem by supporting these women-led ventures in becoming tomorrow's tech leaders. The initiative focuses on contributing to the green, digital, and social transitions in line with European objectives.

NIHR i4i THRIVE - April 2025

Programme

NIHR

Closes

May 16, 2025

Award

150K
All
All

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.

ESA: European Space Agency Phi-Lab UK

Programme

ESA

Closes

May 15, 2026

Award

Between €200,000 and €225,000 per research project.
All
All

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.

NIHR i4i PDA

Programme

NIHR

Closes

May 13, 2026

Award

TBA - Opening Soon
All
All

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.

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

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.

Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF)

Programme

DSIT

Closes

December 31, 2025

Award

£8 million
All
All
£500k+

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.

IUK: Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Chemicals Impacts

Programme

IUK

Closes

August 27, 2025

Award

£50,000 and £300,000, inclusive of VAT
All
All

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.

EIT Urban Mobility Explained (UMX) Open Call

Programme

EIT

Closes

September 29, 2026

Award

€2-4M
All
All

The Urban Mobility Explained (UMX) Open Call, run by EIT Urban Mobility, funds the development and delivery of professional training and learning services that address urban mobility knowledge gaps and support more liveable cities. It is open to a wide range of organisations across EU Member States and Horizon Europe–associated countries, with projects eligible for up to €700,000 in funding over a maximum of 35 months. Proposals should align with the strategic objectives of the EIT Urban Mobility Academy and demonstrate impact, scalability, and financial sustainability. The call supports a broad range of training-related activities, from course development and commercialisation to scaling successful programmes and providing operational support services.

EU Horizon Understand and minimise the environmental impacts of offshore wind energy HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-08

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 17, 2026

Award

€15M
All
All

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.

Smart Scotland

Programme

Smart Scotland

Closes

August 30, 2025

Award

£100,000
All
All

The SMART: SCOTLAND grant, administered by Scottish Enterprise, aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in conducting feasibility studies for high-risk, highly ambitious research and development (R&D) projects. The grant focuses on projects that represent a significant technological advance for the UK industry or sector concerned and have a clear commercial endpoint.

ESA: OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS - FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS

Programme

ESA

Closes

December 30, 2025

Award

Open Call
All
All

​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.

IUK: Sovereign AI - Proof of concept

Programme

IUK

Closes

September 10, 2025

Award

£50K - £120K
All
All

This grant supports UK businesses in validating and demonstrating early-stage AI technologies that deliver frontier performance and are aligned with national sovereignty goals. It focuses on developing proof of concept demonstrators that showcase novel system architectures or subsystem components with the potential to scale. Applicants are expected to deliver technical validation of their AI capabilities, whether through simulation, synthetic data, or early prototype testing while clearly articulating their path to scalable data access and compute infrastructure. The competition underpins the UK government’s ambition to secure leadership in AI development and infrastructure, safeguarding future economic competitiveness, national security, and strategic independence.

IUK Investor partnership: Innovate UK Growth Catalyst December 2025

Programme

IUK

Closes

March 2, 2026

Award

£900k to £2m
All
All

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.

ATI: NON-CO₂ PROGRAMME

Programme

ATI

Closes

May 22, 2026

Award

£18M
All
All

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.

DASA - Rapid transfusion diagnostics: optimising safety on deployed operations

Programme

DASA

Closes

June 2, 2026

Award

£500,000 to £700,000
All
All

This competition is looking for simple, portable blood testing devices that can be used in military or remote environments where labs are not available. The aim is to make blood transfusions safer by allowing fast, on-the-spot testing for blood type and infections like HIV and Hepatitis, without needing trained specialists. Your solution should be quick, easy to use, and work in tough conditions with very little equipment, using only a small blood sample. Projects should already be at a mid stage of development and can run for up to 24 months, with a focus on practical tools that can be used in real situations.

This is a strong fit if you are:

- Developing medical devices or diagnostic tools
- Working on rapid or point-of-care testing
- Building solutions for harsh or remote environments
- Creating simple tools that non-experts can use


Should you apply?

If you are building a fast and portable testing tool that can be used in real world, high pressure environments, especially in healthcare or defence, this is a strong opportunity.

IUK:Energy Catalyst Round 11: Mid Stage

Programme

IUK

Closes

March 25, 2026

Award

From £100k to £1.5M
All
All

This opportunity supports earlier stage clean energy projects that aim to improve access to affordable, reliable, and low carbon energy in developing countries. The focus is on building and testing innovative solutions that can lead to real world impact, especially in regions like Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing clean energy solutions at an earlier stage
✔️ Working on technologies like solar, storage, or smart energy systems
✔️ Looking to test or demonstrate your solution in international markets
✔️ Have partners in developing countries

Should you apply?
If you are developing a clean energy solution and want to test it in real world settings, build strong evidence of impact, and prepare it for future scale and commercial deployment in global markets, this is a strong opportunity.

NIHR i4i FAST - April 2026

Programme

NIHR i4i FAST - April 2026

Closes

April 8, 2026

Award

Between £50k to £100k
All
All

This opportunity supports healthcare technologies that are already working and now need to be integrated into real community care settings like pharmacies, diagnostic centres, or local health hubs. The focus is on prevention, helping people stay healthy or catch conditions early, while making sure the technology fits into existing care systems and can be used at scale.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing a healthtech solution already tested in real settings
✔️ Focused on prevention, early detection, or risk identification
✔️ Looking to integrate your product into community healthcare systems
✔️ Working with providers like pharmacies, clinics, or outreach services

Should you apply?
If you have a proven healthcare solution and want to embed it into real community care pathways, reach more patients, and demonstrate real world impact at scale within the NHS, this is a strong opportunity.

ESA: DIGITALISATION OF THE WATER SECTOR

Programme

ESA

Closes

August 3, 2026

Award

Up to €600K
All
All

This opportunity supports organisations developing space enabled solutions to improve water systems and resilience. The focus is on tackling challenges like water quality, leakage, flooding, and infrastructure issues by using satellite data and technologies to build smarter, more efficient water management systems.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Using satellite data, sensors, or connected systems in your solution
✔️ Working on water management, utilities, or environmental monitoring
✔️ Looking to develop or test a new service or product
✔️ Building solutions for infrastructure, climate resilience, or resource efficiency

Should you apply?
If you are developing a solution that can improve how water is managed and want support to prove it works, test it with real users, and move towards commercial deployment using space technology, this is a strong opportunity.

Cancer Research UK Discovery Programme Award

Programme

Cancer Research UK

Closes

April 2, 2026

Award

Up to £1.5M
All
All

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.

IUK: Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Construction Impacts

Programme

IUK

Closes

August 27, 2025

Award

between £50,000 and £300,000, inclusive of VAT
All
All

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.

Cancer Research UK Prevention and Population Programme Award

Programme

Cancer Research UK

Closes

March 26, 2026

Award

Up to £2.5M
All
All

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.

EU Horizon Smarter buildings as part of the energy system for increased efficiency and flexibility – Societal Readiness Pilot HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D4-02

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 17, 2026

Award

€4M
All
All

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.

IUK: Contracts for Innovation: Net Zero Living Tech Trials, phase 3

Programme

IUK

Closes

June 25, 2025

Award

£75,000 - £100,000,
All
All

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.

EIC Accelerator OPEN

Programme

EIC

Closes

July 8, 2026

Award

EUR 2,500,000
All
All

​The EIC Accelerator is a European funding programme under Horizon Europe that supports start-ups and SMEs developing innovative, game-changing products, services, or business models with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. It offers grant funding of up to €2.5 million for innovation activities (TRL 6-8) and equity investments ranging from €0.5 to €10 million, with higher amounts available under the STEP ScaleUp scheme.

ATI: STRATEGIC PROGRAMME

Programme

ATI

Closes

May 15, 2026

Award

£18M
All
All

This programme supports large, high impact aerospace projects that help drive innovation across the UK aviation sector. It focuses on developing advanced technologies and infrastructure that improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen the UK’s position in next generation aircraft design and manufacturing.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing advanced aerospace technologies or infrastructure
✔️ Working on solutions that improve performance or reduce emissions
✔️ A business looking to deliver large scale, high impact projects
✔️ Able to collaborate across industry, research, or supply chains

Should you apply?
If you are planning a major aerospace project and want support to develop cutting edge technology, scale your innovation, and play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable aviation in the UK, this is a strong opportunity.

EIT Urban Mobility: Strategic Innovation Open Call - Mobility data management

Programme

EIT Urban Mobility

Closes

September 23, 2025

Award

Up to 2 million EUR
All
All

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.

Cancer Research UK Therapeutic Catalyst

Programme

Cancer Research UK

Closes

May 29, 2026

Award

Up to £250K
All
All

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.

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

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.

EU Horizon Large-scale production of liquid advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-01

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 17, 2026

Award

€11M
All
All

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.

EIT Urban Mobility: Strategic Innovation Open Call - Health and mobility

Programme

EIT Urban Mobility

Closes

September 27, 2025

Award

Up to 2 million EUR
All
All

Solutions that promote active mobility as a foundation for healthier urban lifestyles, by improving safety, convenience, inclusivity and integration within the urban environment, facilitating a modal shift towards active modes. Proposals should go beyond typical behavioural change campaigns, to include innovative and market-oriented solutions that strengthen the European cycling industry and align with the goals of the European Declaration on Cycling. Digital or public space design innovations must demonstrate a disruptive approach and clear potential for adoption by public authorities.This topic also includes innovations that monitor, reduce, or mitigate the health impacts of air and noise pollution in urban mobility systems – including solutions for cleaner transport, reduced exposure, and health informed planning.

Cancer Research UK Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award

Programme

Cancer Research UK

Closes

March 26, 2026

Award

Up to £2.5million
All
All

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.

IUK:Contracts for Innovation: READ-OUT digital cognitive dementia assessments

Programme

IUK

Closes

May 14, 2025

Award

600K
All
All

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.

IUK: Launchpad: life and health sciences, Northern Ireland – Rd3 MFA

Programme

IUK

Closes

November 16, 2025

Award

between £25,000 and £100,000
All
All

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.

IUK:Battery Innovation Concept Development Round 1

Programme

IUK

Closes

December 17, 2025

Award

£500K - £4M
All
All

The Advanced Battery Innovation Competition funds UK projects that speed up the development and commercialisation of battery technologies, strengthen the supply chain, and boost global competitiveness. Projects must show market demand and address technical, financial, and environmental challenges in areas such as materials, cell design, manufacturing, quality control, or digital tools. They should deliver benefits like reduced cost, improved performance, or lower environmental impact. Priority areas include scalable UK manufacturing, battery recycling and recovery, and local, sustainable supply chains. Projects can support concept development or validation for sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy storage, rail, and defence. Grants range from £500,000 to £4 million for 1–3 years, led by a UK-registered business with at least one SME partner, and collaboration open to academic, public, or non-profit organisations.

EU Horizon Circular bio-based Europe - Open call for proposals

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

September 22, 2026

Award

€1.2 - 20M
All
All

This programme supports large scale projects that develop and scale bio based solutions to replace fossil based materials and processes. The focus is on building more sustainable industries across areas like materials, chemicals, food, and manufacturing, while improving resource use and reducing environmental impact.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing bio based materials, chemicals, or products
✔️ Working on recycling, biodegradability, or circular solutions
✔️ Building technologies that use biomass or waste streams
✔️ Able to collaborate across industry, research, and supply chains

Should you apply?
If you are developing a sustainable solution that can replace fossil based products and want to scale it through strong European partnerships, demonstrate real environmental impact, and bring it closer to industrial use and market adoption, this is a strong opportunity.

The Content Fund

Programme

UK Games Fund

Closes

March 31, 2025

Award

£50k - £150k
All
All
<£100k

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

AMALTEA Open Call: AI, Robotics and Digital Twins for smart construction

Programme

EU FUNDING

Closes

November 7, 2025

Award

€100,000 and €200,000.
All
All

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.

AHRC responsive mode: UKRI NSF-SBE lead agency

Programme

UKRI, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

Closes

December 31, 2025

Award

£1.5 million
All
All
£500k+

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.

IUK: AI Champions: Frontier AI Phase 1

Programme

IUK

Closes

June 3, 2026

Award

£150,000 and £250,000
All
All

This opportunity supports UK SMEs developing advanced AI and machine learning solutions that could unlock major improvements or entirely new capabilities. The focus is on proving that your idea works in practice, building early evidence, and showing clear potential to scale into real products or platforms. It is part of a wider funding pathway, meaning successful projects can progress to larger funding rounds.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Building a new AI or machine learning solution with strong innovation
✔️ Working on areas like healthcare, materials, defence, or core AI systems
✔️ Looking to prove technical feasibility and performance
✔️ Planning to scale your solution into a product or platform

Should you apply?
If you are developing a cutting edge AI solution and want to validate it, demonstrate strong technical performance, and position your business for larger follow on funding and long term growth, this is a strong opportunity.

Challenge Awards round 15

Programme

NIHR

Closes

December 31, 2025

Award

Unspecified
All
All

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.

IUK: UK-Netherlands Co-Innovation and Testbeds Pilot for Quantum Tech

Programme

IUK

Closes

October 28, 2025

Award

€600k
All
All

This competition aims to strengthen collaborative research and development between the Netherlands and the UK to commercialise quantum technologies. It funds feasibility and industrial research projects focused on developing, prototyping, and testing commercial quantum solutions in areas such as entanglement-based quantum networking, quantum computing algorithms and software, and quantum sensing for applications like biosensing, public infrastructure, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT).

SMART: SCOTLAND grants

Programme

Scottish Enterprise

Closes

December 31, 2025

Award

£100k
All
All
<£100k

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

IUK - Secure Software for Resilient Growth

Programme

IUK

Closes

April 29, 2026

Award

Between £250,000 and £750,000
All
All

This competition is funding projects that help make software more secure and protect businesses from cyber attacks. The goal is to support companies in building and adopting better security practices across their software supply chains, helping the UK grow safer and more resilient digital systems. Projects should focus on real solutions that improve how software is built, managed, and protected.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Building cyber security or software protection solutions
✔️ Working on tools that improve secure software development
✔️ Part of a team or partnership working on software or digital systems
✔️ Helping businesses adopt better security practices, including through engagement and training

Should you apply?

If you are developing a solution that improves software security, particularly within the software supply chain, and are aiming to help businesses reduce cyber risk while scaling in the UK market, this represents a strong opportunity.

IUK:Growth Catalyst Early Stage: New Innovators

Programme

IUK

Closes

August 6, 2025

Award

£25,000-£50,000
All
All

The grant aims to help early-stage start-ups develop innovative ideas with clear routes to commercialisation and business growth.


–Support development in five critical technologies: Projects must focus on at least one of the following: artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, advanced connectivity technologies, quantum technologies, or engineering biology.


–Enable new products, processes, or services: The goal is to foster innovations that are significantly ahead of current offerings or propose new uses or business models.


–Provide targeted business support: In addition to funding, tailored business support is offered to help businesses grow and scale.

IUK: Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 7: Feasibility studies

Programme

IUK

Closes

July 15, 2026

Award

between £100,000 and £1 million
All
All

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.

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

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.

IUK: Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 7: Deployment trials

Programme

IUK

Closes

July 15, 2026

Award

between £3 million and £15 million
All
All

This funding call is focused on taking clean maritime technologies into real world use by funding full deployment trials. The aim is to help teams prove their solutions work in live operational environments, such as on vessels or within ports, and show clear impact in reducing emissions. Projects must go beyond testing and demonstrate real performance over a sustained period.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Ready to deploy a clean maritime solution in real conditions
✔️ Working on low or zero emission vessel or port technologies
✔️ Looking to prove performance through live operational trials
✔️ Partnering with end users like vessel operators or ports

Should you apply?
If you have a mature maritime solution and want to demonstrate it in real world operations, generate strong performance data, and position it for large scale commercial rollout across the industry, this is a strong opportunity.

ESA: OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS: PROOF-OF-CONCEPT STUDIES AND PILOT PROJECTS

Programme

ESA

Closes

October 31, 2026

Award

Up to €600k
All
All

This opportunity supports organisations developing space enabled services or applications, helping them move from idea to real world use. It funds both early stage work to prove a concept and later stage projects that test solutions with real users, with the goal of reducing risk and preparing for commercial launch.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing a service that uses space data or technology
✔️ Looking to validate an idea or build a minimum viable product
✔️ Ready to test your solution with real customers or users
✔️ Working across sectors where space data can add value

Should you apply?
If you have a space enabled solution and want support to prove it works, test it in real world conditions, and move towards commercial deployment with customers and partners, this is a strong opportunity.

ATI: SME PROGRAMME

Programme

ATI

Closes

June 19, 2026

Award

£1.5M
All
All

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.

EU Horizon Improved reliability and optimised operations and maintenance for wind energy systems HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-07

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 17, 2026

Award

€5M
All
All

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.

Circular Electricals Fund

Programme

Circular Electricals Fund

Closes

August 14, 2025

Award

£150,000 per project
All
All

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.

DASA Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception – Phase 2

Programme

DASA

Closes

October 2, 2026

Award

£1 Million
All
All

The competition seeks innovative proposals that integrate autonomous sensor management with information fusion to detect and counter activities designed to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Proposals should demonstrate both commercial potential and technical feasibility, ideally through collaborative efforts, and provide evidence of all parties’ active involvement. Phase 2 combines the previous phase’s separate challenges into a single integrated solution, requiring demonstration in a relevant environment at Technology Readiness Level 6. Projects are expected to last at least 18 months, with funding available for up to two collaborative initiatives, and while prior participation is not required, collaboration is strongly encouraged.

IUK:Energy Catalyst Round 11: Early Stage

Programme

IUK

Closes

March 25, 2026

Award

£50k to £300k
All
All

This opportunity supports early stage ideas focused on improving access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy in developing countries. The aim is to help teams explore feasibility, test concepts, and build early evidence that a solution could work and deliver real social and environmental impact.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Exploring a new clean energy idea or concept
✔️ Working on early stage solutions like solar, storage, or clean transport
✔️ Looking to test feasibility before full development
✔️ Interested in delivering impact in developing countries

Should you apply?
If you have an early stage clean energy idea and want to test whether it works, build initial evidence, and understand its real world potential before moving into larger development or scale projects, this is a strong opportunity.

NIHR: Early action and prevention within Health and Social Care Services Phase 2

Programme

NIHR

Closes

June 1, 2026

Award

TBC
All
All

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.

ESA: THEMATIC CALL FOR PROPOSALS: WILDFIRES

Programme

ESA

Closes

June 2, 2026

Award

Up to €600k
All
All

This opportunity supports organisations developing solutions that improve how wildfires are detected, monitored, and managed using space technology. The focus is on helping teams build and test services that can support real time response, improve decision making, and reduce the impact of wildfires in operational settings.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Using satellite data, positioning, or communications in your solution
✔️ Working on wildfire detection, monitoring, or prediction tools
✔️ Building systems for emergency response or environmental monitoring
✔️ Looking to develop or test a service with real world users

Should you apply?
If you are developing a solution that can improve wildfire response and want support to prove its value, test it in real conditions, and scale it with backing from ESA and industry partners, this is a strong opportunity.

EIT Urban Mobility: Strategic Innovation Open Call - Public transport

Programme

EIT Urban Mobility

Closes

September 23, 2025

Award

Up to 2 million EUR
All
All

Solutions that strengthen public transport as the backbone of a resilient, sustainable, inclusive and multimodal mobility ecosystem, by improving its attractiveness and competitiveness – with the clear goal of attracting users away from private cars.New concepts, technologies and business models that enhance demandresponsive transport and integrate shared mobility services with public transit – aimed at improving first- and last-mile connectivity and expanding overall network coverage are encouraged.

BRITISH BUSINESS BANK: Investment Fund for Wales

Programme

British Business Bank

Closes

December 31, 2025

Award

£2 million
All
All
£500k+

This fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across Wales.

IUK: CAM Pathfinder: Demonstrate

Programme

IUK

Closes

December 17, 2025

Award

£500,000 and £2 million
All
All

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.

EU Horizon Innovative space-based applications enhancing capabilities for a resilient Europe

Programme

EU Horizon

Closes

February 24, 2026

Award

£1.5M - £1.8M
All
All

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.

UKRI Creating opportunities: rethinking economic (in)activity

Programme

UKRI, Innovate UK

Closes

May 6, 2025

Award

£1.2 million
All
All
£500k+

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.

IUK: Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 7: Pre-deployment trials

Programme

IUK

Closes

July 15, 2026

Award

£750,000 and £6 million
All
All

This opportunity supports projects testing clean maritime technologies before they are deployed in real world conditions. The focus is on developing and trialling solutions on land, such as in factories or dry docks, to reduce emissions in the maritime sector. Projects should show clear potential to cut carbon and prepare technologies for future use on vessels or within port infrastructure.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing clean maritime or shipping technologies
✔️ Working on low or zero emission fuels, energy systems, or vessel upgrades
✔️ Building smart shipping or digital solutions that improve efficiency
✔️ Already have partners including end users like ports or vessel operators

Should you apply?
If you have a maritime innovation that needs real world testing before deployment, and want to prove its impact on reducing emissions while preparing for future commercial use across vessels or ports, this is a strong opportunity.

IUK Medicines Manufacturing: Labs of the Future

Programme

IUK

Closes

May 27, 2026

Award

£500,000 and £1.5Million
All
All

This opportunity supports projects that improve how medicines are developed and manufactured using digital tools, automation, and robotics. The aim is to make processes faster, more efficient, and more scalable, helping bring new treatments to patients more quickly while reducing manual work and increasing productivity.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing digital, AI, or automated solutions for pharma or biotech
✔️ Working on robotics or smart systems for manufacturing
✔️ Looking to improve speed, efficiency, or quality in production
✔️ Building tools that can be adopted across labs or manufacturing sites

Should you apply?
If you are creating technology that can transform how medicines are developed or produced, and want to scale its use, improve efficiency, and support faster delivery of treatments to patients, this is a strong opportunity.

IUK: Active Travel Innovation Fund

Programme

IUK

Closes

November 14, 2025

Award

£100k
All
All

The Active Travel Innovation Fund by Active Travel England (ATE) offers grants to UK-registered small and medium-sized organisations to develop, deliver, or scale innovative projects that encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling across England. It focuses on behaviour change and engagement rather than infrastructure or product development, supporting ideas that make active travel safer and more accessible. The fund prioritises initiatives benefiting underrepresented groups such as women, ethnic minorities, children, disabled people, and those less physically active and aligns with wider government goals like reducing NHS pressure, creating safer streets, boosting the economy, and achieving net zero. Projects must be delivered within England over a 12-month period, followed by evaluation, with up to 10% of the grant allocated to monitoring, reporting, and impact assessment.

IUK:Full ADOPT Grant: Round 2

Programme

IUK

Closes

August 20, 2025

Award

£50,000 - £100,000
All
All

The Full ADOPT Grant: Round 2 aims to support farming, growing, or forestry businesses in England to conduct on-farm trials and demonstration projects. The goal is to test innovative ideas or solutions that address significant on-farm or immediate post-farmgate challenges or opportunities, thereby improving productivity, resilience, sustainability, and progression towards net-zero farming.

IUK: CAM Pathfinder: Enable

Programme

IUK

Closes

December 17, 2025

Award

Between £2 Million and £4 Million
All
All

The Zenzic CAM Deployment Trials Competition funds large-scale trials that bring Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) services closer to commercial use in the UK. Projects must demonstrate mature CAM technologies in live or realistic settings, develop operational models, and build business cases for future deployment. They should run for 18–24 months, request £2–4 million, and be delivered in the UK. Eligible leads include UK-registered businesses, local or transport authorities, and must be the service operator or entity directly benefiting from the CAM service. Collaborators may include businesses, academic institutions, charities, or RTOs. Projects using public roads must follow the Department for Transport’s Automated Vehicle Trialling Code of Practice and identify key roles such as the Authorised Self Driving Entity (ASDE) and No-User-in-Charge Operator (NUiCO).

DASA: Innovation in Support of Operations Phase 2 (Cycle 4)

Programme

DASA

Closes

August 31, 2025

Award

£350,000
All
All

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).

ESA: Sustainable Wetlands - Kickstart

Programme

ESA

Closes

May 1, 2026

Award

€75K
All
All

This opportunity supports early stage ideas that use space technology to improve how wetlands are monitored, protected, and managed. The focus is on developing new services that can address challenges like flooding, pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate impact, while also creating a viable business case.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing a solution using satellite data or space technology
✔️ Working on environmental monitoring or sustainability
✔️ Exploring early stage ideas with commercial potential
✔️ Building tools for water, biodiversity, or land management

Should you apply?
If you have an early stage idea that uses space technology to solve environmental challenges and want funding to explore feasibility, validate your concept, and shape a strong commercial case for future development, this is a strong opportunity.

UK NOT ELIGIBLE

IUK: Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: Round 22

Programme

IUK

Closes

July 2, 2025

Award

+100K to £5M
All
All

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.

EIT Urban Mobility: Strategic Innovation Open Call - Urban logistics

Programme

EIT Urban Mobility

Closes

September 23, 2025

Award

Up to 2 million EUR
All
All

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.

Creative Growth Finance

Programme

Creative uk

Closes

December 31, 2025

Award

Loans of £100K - £1m
All
All
<£100k

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.

Cancer Research UK Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst

Programme

Cancer Research UK

Closes

April 1, 2026

Award

Up to £250K
All
All

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.

Scotland: Research and development (R&D) grants

Programme

Scotland

Closes

September 30, 2025

Award

£150k
All
All

Scottish Enterprise's Research and Development (R&D) Grants aim to support businesses in Scotland that are developing new products, processes, or services, or significantly enhancing existing ones. The program seeks to boost business competitiveness, stimulate further R&D activities, and benefit the Scottish economy. ​

Contracts for Innovation: Accessible Information on Coaches

Programme

Department for Transport (DfT).

Closes

February 12, 2025

Award

£170k
All
All
£100k to £500k

This competition by the Department for Transport aims to develop affordable, user-friendly hardware and software solutions for coaches to comply with the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023. The solutions must provide accessible audio and visual route, destination, and location information, supporting disabled passengers. Proposals should prioritize scalability, compatibility, and affordability while incorporating innovative technologies.

IUK: Farming Innovation Programme: Feasibility Round 4

Programme

IUK

Closes

December 5, 2025

Award

£200k to £500k
All
All

This competition funds feasibility studies developing new solutions to on-farm or post-farmgate challenges that improve productivity, resilience, and sustainability in UK agriculture. Projects should support low-emission farming and deliver commercial benefits for farmers, growers, and foresters, focusing on areas such as farmed animals, plants, novel food systems, and the bioeconomy or agroforestry. Funding excludes equine, fisheries, aquaculture, and medicinal crop projects. Eligible applicants are established UK businesses collaborating with at least one other organisation, such as another business, research body, or charity.

Cancer Research UK Discovery Programme Foundation Award

Programme

Cancer Research UK

Closes

April 2, 2026

Award

Up to £1.5M
All
All

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.

IUK:Agri-tech and food technology, Mid and North Wales - CRD

Programme

IUK

Closes

August 20, 2025

Award

£150,000 - £500,000
All
All

Innovate UK and its partners seek projects that:


–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.


–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.


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


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

IUK: Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chains: Potential High Growth SMEs

Programme

IUK

Closes

April 22, 2026

Award

£50,000 and £100,000
All
All

This opportunity supports UK SMEs working on advanced manufacturing solutions that are close to market but need final development before commercialisation. The focus is on helping businesses strengthen supply chains and bring high growth innovations closer to real world use, with short, practical projects that show clear commercial potential.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ A UK SME developing an advanced manufacturing solution
✔️ Working on a product that is close to market but needs final development
✔️ Looking to strengthen or innovate within supply chains
✔️ Able to deliver a short, focused project with clear outcomes

Should you apply?
If you have a manufacturing innovation with strong growth potential and need quick funding to refine it, prove its value, and move it closer to commercial launch in the UK market, this is a strong opportunity.

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