Home of the UK’s innovation networks
Innovate UK Business Connect brings together businesses, researchers, investors and partners to support innovation across the UK. As a strategic delivery partner to Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we connect organisations to funding opportunities, partnerships and expert support to help ideas move from concept to scale.
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Learn more about our areas in Defence
AI Cyber Security Engineering Biology Maritime Quantum Security & Defence Semiconductors SpaceDefence opportunities
Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG), Cohort 19
Opens: 11/05/2026
Closes: 05/06/2026
Funding to develop feasibility studies, proofs of concept, or prototypes to shape a safer, greener, accessible, and more resilient transport network.
More informationHigh Assurance Detection Systems in UK Airports (HADes) 2026
Opens: 14/05/2026
Closes: 19/06/2026
The competition aims to enhance UK airports’ checkpoint security screening capability, focusing on alarm resolution and any operating concept that can enhance the performance of checkpoint…
More informationAccelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnerships 6 (AKT 6)
Opens: 26/05/2026
Closes: 15/07/2026
UK registered academic institutions, RTOs or Catapults can apply for a share of up to £2.5 million to fund innovation projects with businesses.
More informationContracts for Innovation: First of a Kind (FOAK) Rail Programme 2026
Opens: 11/05/2026
Closes: 24/06/2026
Organisations can apply for a share of £4.3 million, inclusive of VAT, across eight themes to develop a prototype, conduct field testing, and demonstrate their solution.…
More informationHMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Automated audio capture and transcription for Defence wargaming
Opens: 11/05/2026
Closes: 11/06/2026
HMGCC Co-Creation is launching a challenge to automatically capture audio and transcribe conversations and decisions in the rapid pace and high-pressure environment of a wargame.
More informationEuropean Space Agency - The Arctic Region: Environmental and Economic Resilience
Apply anytime from 4 Jun 2026
Supporting the development of space‑enabled services addressing environmental protection and climate resilience in the Arctic region.
More informationGlobal Incubator Programme: Agri-Tech Australia Farmers2Founders (F2F)
Opens: 05/05/2026
Closes: 21/06/2026
Innovate UK seeks innovative Agri-Tech companies to participate in an acceleration programme to support growth by exploring the potential of the Australian market.
More informationDual-use aviation systems and autonomy
Opens: 05/05/2026
Closes: 03/06/2026
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £10 million for the development of aviation technologies and systems that support both civil and…
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ICURe
The Innovate UK ICURe Programme gives researchers the chance to turn ground-breaking research into investment-ready spin-out companies and license agreements. We provide funding and personalised support…
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CyberASAP
The only pre-seed accelerator programme in the cybersecurity ecosystem, CyberASAP (Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme) plays a unique and vital role in supporting cyber security…
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Semiconductors
Ensuring that the UK has a secure and relevant position and capability within the global semiconductor landscape.
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Robotics Proving Ground
Pioneering robotics evolution through powering a network of hubs to fast-track robotics from concept to market.
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Next Generation Professional and Financial Services
Helping the professional and financial service sectors to develop and use digital technologies.
ExploreIgnite Labs
Ignite Labs provides a dynamic space for UK innovators to stay ahead of the curve. Our programme offers insights, tools, and connections that help you navigate…
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BridgeAI
Empowering UK organisations to harness the power of AI through support and funding, bridging the AI divide for a more productive UK.
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Young Innovators
Celebrating young people with great business ideas. Whether you’re launching a startup, solving real-world problems, or just need the right connections to turn your idea into…
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Women in Innovation
Enabling brilliant women across the UK to fully achieve their vision for their businesses and change the world, while championing and celebrating gender diversity throughout UK…
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Analysis for Innovators
Innovate UK Analysis for Innovators can help boost productivity and competitiveness in your business through solving existing problems.
ExploreDefence events
19/05/2026
Global Incubator Programme – Agri-Tech, Australia Farmers2Founders: briefing event
Event details
06/05/2026
ProQure - Scaling UK Quantum computing call - Partner cultivation and engagement event
Event details
08/04/2026
Contracts for Innovation: Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) – Call 1 – Competition Briefing
Event details
09/04/2026
Solution Development for Advanced Connectivity Technologies – Competition Briefing
Event details
10/04/2026
Global Incubator Programme - Agri-Tech, USA, THRIVE: Programme Briefing Event
Event details
17/04/2026
Medicines manufacturing - Labs of the future: competition briefing
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