UK Research and Innovation is the national body for research and innovation funding. It comprises seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England, and funds universities, research organisations and businesses.

Can a business get UKRI funding?

Yes — mainly through Innovate UK (the business-facing part of UKRI), and as partners on research-council projects. Subvention flags live opportunities relevant to companies.

Is UKRI the same as Innovate UK?

Innovate UK is part of UKRI. UKRI is the umbrella organisation; Innovate UK is its business-innovation agency.

UKRI research & innovation funding

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the umbrella body for the UK's research and innovation funding, bringing together the seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England. It funds universities, research organisations and businesses across every discipline. Subvention surfaces live UKRI-family opportunities relevant to your organisation, each linked to its official page.

Grants change frequently — always confirm eligibility, amounts and deadlines with the funder via the linked source. Subvention does not guarantee funding.

What UKRI covers

UKRI channels funding through its councils — including the research councils (covering sciences, engineering, medicine, arts and humanities, economic and social research and the environment), Innovate UK for business innovation, and Research England for university research and knowledge exchange.

• Research council grants for academic and applied research
• Innovate UK business innovation competitions
• Research England knowledge-exchange and university funding
• Cross-council challenge and infrastructure programmes

Who applies to UKRI

Research council funding is typically led by universities and research organisations, often with business partners; Innovate UK funding is business-led. If you're a company, the Innovate UK route is usually the most relevant. Subvention links you to the official UKRI/Innovate UK pages to confirm eligibility and deadlines.

Innovate UK grants →

Frequently asked questions

What is UKRI?: UK Research and Innovation is the national body for research and innovation funding. It comprises seven research councils, Innovate UK and Research England, and funds universities, research organisations and businesses.
Can a business get UKRI funding?: Yes — mainly through Innovate UK (the business-facing part of UKRI), and as partners on research-council projects. Subvention flags live opportunities relevant to companies.
Is UKRI the same as Innovate UK?: Innovate UK is part of UKRI. UKRI is the umbrella organisation; Innovate UK is its business-innovation agency.

Grant data refreshed daily · page last reviewed 2026-07-26. Always confirm details with the funder.

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