ESA: Space For Sustainable, Connected and Liveable Cities

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.

​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.

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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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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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.

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 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.

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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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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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.

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 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.

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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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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.

This funding topic focuses on improving the security, resilience, and trustworthiness of artificial intelligence systems, particularly those used in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and decision-making environments. As AI adoption grows, these systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable to adversarial attacks that manipulate inputs, poison training data, or introduce hidden vulnerabilities.

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Projects should develop stronger and more trustworthy AI systems by improving their ability to withstand threats such as adversarial manipulation, data poisoning, and backdoor attacks. This includes creating new defence techniques, real-time detection systems for suspicious behaviour, and tools to identify compromised datasets.

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The call aims to develop robust AI systems that can detect, resist, and recover from these threats, while also ensuring sensitive data remains protected.

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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.

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

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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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 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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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.

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).

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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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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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.

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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 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

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.

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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.

This opportunity supports UK businesses working with German partners to develop and commercialise quantum technologies. The focus is on turning advanced quantum research into real world products, systems, or services across areas like computing, sensing, and hardware. Projects should be collaborative, practical, and clearly aimed at bringing quantum solutions closer to market.

This is a strong fit if you are:

✔️ Developing quantum technologies, software, or hardware
✔️ Looking to commercialise or scale a quantum solution
✔️ Able to collaborate with a German business partner
✔️ Working on real world applications of quantum systems

Should you apply?
If you are building a quantum solution and want to speed up development, access international expertise, and move your technology closer to real commercial use, 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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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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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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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.

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.

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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.

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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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. ​

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.

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 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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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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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

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.

The MRC-NIHR Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme invites applications to assess novel non-pharmacological approaches for diagnosing, treating, or managing ADHD in children and adults. Proposals should target core symptoms or related conditions and provide strong clinical rationale and proof of concept. Evaluations must focus on interventions or technologies with convincing human evidence of efficacy, including diagnostic tools with promising sensitivity, specificity, or predictive value.

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Solutions that advance zero-emission urban mobility through innovation across the electrification value chain, vehicles, new battery technologies, smart /dynamic charging infrastructure, grid integration or life battery extension, reuse and recycle.Alternative fuels solutions such as hydrogen applications, that support early adoption, reducing initial or operative costs, offer integrated solutions to the urban environment, and are viable to scale-up.

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).

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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.

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.

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 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. ​

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.

This topic aims to develop and validate planning methods and procedures that accelerate the uptake of innovative building solutions, enhancing whole life carbon performance, sustainability, circularity, climate resilience, and safety across the built environment. Projects should demonstrate these methods in at least three countries with diverse climates and building stock, including at least two renovation contexts, and assess their effectiveness compared to a “business as usual” scenario. Proposals must actively involve public and private stakeholders, including municipalities, citizens, civil society, and the construction sector, while integrating social sciences and humanities expertise to maximise societal impact. The work should contribute to the Built4People partnership and its network of innovation clusters, supporting monitoring of relevant KPIs.

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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.

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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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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.

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.

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.

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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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 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.

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This call, opening on 23 April 2026, aims to accelerate research, innovation, and market uptake of sustainable and circular bio-based solutions across Europe in line with EU Green Deal and bioeconomy priorities. It seeks high-impact, collaborative projects addressing pre-defined topics across the bio-based value chain, from mid-TRL research to large-scale industrial implementation, with clear environmental and scalability benefits. Up to €170.7 million is available in 2026 to support research and innovation actions, innovation actions, and coordination and support actions under the Horizon Europe and CBE JU framework. Eligible applicants include a wide range of European organisations, with consortia required to meet Horizon Europe eligibility rules.

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This topic focuses on assessing and optimising the value chains of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin to strengthen EU energy security and industrial competitiveness. Projects should analyse current and future scenarios, identify integration challenges across stakeholders, and propose research, innovation, and standardisation actions to improve reliability, sustainability, and carbon removal potential. Multidisciplinary aspects—including sustainable farming, CO₂ valorisation, fuel standardisation, and land-use trade-offs—should be considered to develop win-win, integrated solutions across the entire value chain. All proposals must include a life-cycle-based sustainability assessment covering techno-economic, environmental, and social dimensions.

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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 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.

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.

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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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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

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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.

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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.

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 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
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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.

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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).

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.

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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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.

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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 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.

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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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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 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.

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.

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.

This is a multi-sector generous loan opportunity of between £100k and £2m for UK registered, highly innovative SMEs with projects lasting up to 5 years.

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.

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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

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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.

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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 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.

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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 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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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 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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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.

​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.

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

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.

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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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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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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.

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 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.