Innovate UK have launched a number of funding competitions to help tackle industry challenges ranging from Innovation in battery grade material technology to engineering biology platforms.
A selection of the current funding competitions are outlined below, the full list can be found on the Innovate UK website.
If you are interested in applying for an Innovate UK grant and require assistance, please talk to our Business Ready team on 02476 323121 or email [email protected].
Organisations can apply for a share of up to £30 million exclusive of VAT, for collaborative Discovery Phase Projects that meet the Round 5 challenges. This funding is from the Ofgem Strategic Innovation Fund.
- Competition opens: Monday 21 September 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 21 October 2026 11:00am
UK registered government research organisations can apply for grants from £50,000 up to £250,000 to move viable public sector knowledge assets towards commercial readiness. This funding is provided by the Government Office for Technology Transfer (GOTT).
- Competition opens: Thursday 17 September 2026
- Competition closes: Tuesday 1 December 2026 11:00am
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £25 million to support innovation in battery grade material technologies for electrification. This funding is from The Battery Innovation Programme.
- Competition opens: Friday 11 September 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 2 December 2026 11:00am
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £8.5 million to develop and scale Engineering Biology platforms, products and services. This funding is part of UKRI’s Engineering Biology Programme.
- Competition opens: Tuesday 8 September 2026
- Competition closes: Tuesday 3 November 2026 11:00am
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £500,000 for a phase 1 project to establish the Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute (MMDI). This funding is from Innovate UK.
- Competition opens: Monday 7 September 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 14 October 2026 11:00am
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £12 million for collaborative industrial research to speed the translation of advanced materials innovations in three prioritised high growth themes and one strategic opportunity theme.
- Competition opens: Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 28 October 2026 11:00am
UK registered SMEs can apply for grant funding alongside private investment from selected investor partners.
- Competition opens: Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 14 October 2026 11:00am
