Innovate UK have launched a number of funding competitions to help tackle industry challenges ranging from clean energy to coordinating robotics adoption hubs.
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].
Future Leaders Fellowships: Round 11, business and non-academic
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £110 million to deliver ambitious research and innovation and develop future leaders. This funding is from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
- Competition opens: Monday 22 June 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 4 November 2026 11:00am
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million for creating a central convening body to coordinate the robotics adoption hubs. Funding is from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
- Competition opens: Wednesday 10 June 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 8 July 2026 11:00am
Consumer Led Flexibility for the Clean Energy Superpower Mission
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £25 million for pre-commercialisation projects. This funding is from the UKRI R&D Missions Accelerator Programme through the Clean Energy Superpower Mission.
- Competition opens: Wednesday 10 June 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 26 August 2026 11:00am
UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprises can submit an Expression of Interest for loans for close to market innovative projects with strong commercial potential. They must significantly improve the UK economy and drive societal benefit.
- Competition opens: Saturday 6 June 2026
- Competition closes: There is no submission deadline
Farming, growing or forestry businesses based in England can apply for a share of up to £5 million for on-farm trial and demonstration projects, to improve adoption of new ideas or solutions in the agricultural sector.
- Competition opens: Thursday 4 June 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 29 July 2026 11:00am
UK registered academic institutions can apply for a share of up to £800,000 to take part in the ACTASAP. This funding is from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered by Innovate UK, part of UKRI.
- Competition opens: Thursday 4 June 2026
- Competition closes: Tuesday 28 July 2026 11:00am
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £32.8 million for collaborations developing the supply chain for quantum enabled sensing. This funding is from Innovate UK.
- Competition opens: Wednesday 3 June 2026
- Competition closes: Wednesday 8 July 2026 11:00am
