Innovate UK grants & funding
Innovate UK is the UK's national innovation agency and part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It funds research and development across sectors through competitions, Smart Grants, sector challenges and programmes like BridgeAI, usually on a match-funded basis. Subvention shows live Innovate UK opportunities alongside every other UK innovation grant your company is eligible for, each linked to source.
Grants change frequently — always confirm eligibility, amounts and deadlines with the funder via the linked source. Subvention does not guarantee funding.
What Innovate UK funds
Innovate UK backs ambitious business-led R&D — developing new products, processes and services — often in partnership with universities or other companies. Funding runs through open competitions (including Smart Grants), targeted sector challenges, and support programmes covering AI, net zero, health, manufacturing and more.
- • Smart Grants — open, sector-agnostic R&D competitions
- • Sector and challenge-led competitions (net zero, health, AI, manufacturing)
- • BridgeAI and other adoption programmes
- • Innovation loans and investor partnerships
Who is eligible and how it works
Most Innovate UK grants are for UK-registered businesses, frequently requiring match funding and collaboration. Competitions have fixed windows and are assessed competitively, so a strong, well-evidenced application matters. Subvention flags live Innovate UK opportunities and links you to the official competition page to confirm scope, eligibility and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Innovate UK?
- Innovate UK is the UK's national innovation agency, part of UKRI. It funds business-led research and development through competitions, Smart Grants and sector programmes, usually with match funding.
- How do I apply for an Innovate UK grant?
- Innovate UK runs time-limited competitions on its funding service. Subvention surfaces live opportunities and links to the official page where you confirm eligibility and apply. A clear, evidenced R&D case is essential.
- Do I need match funding for Innovate UK?
- Most Innovate UK grants require the business to contribute a share of project costs; the exact rate depends on company size and competition. Check the specific competition's rules.
- Are Innovate UK grants only for tech companies?
- No — Innovate UK funds innovation across many sectors, from manufacturing and net zero to health and creative industries, not just software or 'tech' firms.
Grant data refreshed daily · page last reviewed 2026-07-26. Always confirm details with the funder.