Digital Manufacturing
Digital manufacturing promises improved productivity, sustainability, resilience and the creation of high value jobs. The industrial digital technology (IDT) innovator seeking to make an impact in the physical world stands to benefit from the transformation of UK manufacturing.
Digital Manufacturing
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At Innovate UK Business Connect we see the opportunities to deploy the latest technology and the gaps waiting to be filled by innovation.
We work with innovators in the manufacturing sector and their technology partners. Those with high growth ambitions, who want to be early adopters of new industrial digital technology.
The Made Smarter review has prompted activity across the country around the five IDT areas. Innovate UK Business Connect has specific activity around: Additive Manufacturing; the Immersive TechnNetwork; Robotics & Automation; AI, ML & Data Analytics; and IIoT & Connectivity.
For development of new solutions, the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund Manufacturing Made Smarter programme offers innovation support, we can help you to understand the scope and opportunity available through this.
To support companies looking to start their Industry 4.0 journey, we have developed the 4Manufacturing tool, which we can use to shape your digital strategy development and guide you to the right next steps.
Many of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) projects relate to industrial digital technology, and this can be a good way to bring enabling knowledge and skills into your business.
Related Opportunities
Innovate UK Growth Catalyst – Investor Partnerships Round 2
Opens: 10/12/2025 Closes: 03/02/2026
Grant funding for late-stage R&D projects of up to £2m in size, subject to aligned private investment through Innovate UK’s proven Investor Partnerships funding model.
More Information
Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26
Opens: 26/11/2025 Closes: 04/02/2026
Women founders or co-founders of UK registered SMEs can apply for a package of support that includes a grant of up to £75,000 and bespoke business support, to further their ambitious growth plans.
More Information
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2025 – 2026 Round 5
Opens: 01/12/2025 Closes: 04/02/2026
UK registered academic institutions, RTOs or Catapults, working with businesses or not for profits, can apply for a share of up to £10m.
More Information
Related Events and Recordings
Related News
12/09/2024
Innovate UK launches new community for UK start-ups
Speaking at the Innovate UK Supporting Innovative Start-ups event held 11 September in Birmingham, CEO, Indro Mukerjee unveiled a new community as part of Start-up Connect.
