Innovate UK have launched a number of funding competitions to help tackle industry challenges ranging from women in innovation to creating scale up manufacturing facilities.
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].
Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26
Women founders or co-founders with UK registered businesses at the late stage start-up phase can apply for a grant of up to £75,000 and bespoke business support, to further their ambitious growth plans.
- Competition opens: Wednesday 26 November 2025
- Competition closes: Wednesday 4 February 2026 11:00am
Increasing EV charging capacity on the strategic road network
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £10 million. The funding is for the development and demonstration of solutions to increase public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging provision for longer journeys on the Strategic Road Network (SRN).
- Competition opens: Monday 3 November 2025
- Competition closes: Wednesday 25 March 2026 11:00am
Innovate UK Innovation Loans Round 24
UK registered businesses can apply 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: Thursday 23 October 2025
- Competition closes: Wednesday 7 January 2026 11:00am
Eureka GlobalStars Japan 2026
UK organisations can apply for funding to collaborate on industrial research projects with partners in Eureka member countries and Japan.
- Competition opens: Monday 13 October 2025
- Competition closes: Wednesday 21 January 2026 11:00am
DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £150 million to create scale up manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle technologies.
- Competition opens: Wednesday 17 September 2025
- Competition closes: There is no submission deadline
