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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I’m interested in Defence

Learn more about our areas in Defence

AI Cyber Security Engineering Biology Maritime Quantum Security & Defence Semiconductors Space

Defence opportunities

ARIA: Scaling Trust - Tooling and Fundamental Research

Rolling call, proposals assessed quarterly

ARIA are seeking to fund teams to develop open-source tools and perform fundamental research that moves us from empirical to theory-driven guarantees in agentic coordination.

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ARIA: Safeguarded AI - Cybersecurity

Quarterly applications

ARIA offers funding of £2.5m-£3.5m per team for blue teams creating cybersecurity products, which will be verified by AI and a red team pen-testing using AI…

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EPSRC AI ICURe Discover Sprint - February 2027

Opens: 07/12/2026

Closes: 18/01/2027

EPSRC AI ICURe Discover Sprint is a 4-week intensive programme for researchers and technicians, with up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities.

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EPSRC AI ICURe Engage - January 2027

Opens: 29/10/2026

Closes: 10/12/2026

EPSRC AI ICURe Engage is a 4-week, online, part-time programme designed to support researchers and technicians in exploring the potential market for their research.

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N-CODE Innovation Challenge: the future of neurological healthcare

Opens: 07/09/2026

Closes: 18/11/2026

The N-CODE Innovation Challenge is looking for concepts, ideas and innovations that could fundamentally change how neurological care is delivered in the NHS. Up to £12,000…

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HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Tracking a data footprint

Opens: 7 Sep 2026. Closes: 24 Sep 2026.

The latest HMGCC Co-Creation challenge is seeking a mobile app which can help a phone user monitor their data footprint over time.

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UK Defence Innovation: counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) force-protection capability (PANOPTES)

Opens: 02/09/2026

Closes: 23/09/2026

UKDI seeks counter-Uncrewed Aerial System capabilities for development to deployment, with £5m total funding available.

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Horizon Europe Springboard Scheme for Cluster 4 Industry Themes

Rolling assessment: awards on a first come, first served basis. Closes 2 Feb 2027.

Financial support for eligible UK organisations to strengthen the development of Horizon Europe proposals under eligible topics including digital, manufacturing, materials, clean energy and AI in…

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Are you looking for a specific opportunity?

Search for funding, collaboration, support to grow or resources to bring your idea to life.

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Could our Defence programmes support you?

We offer innovation programmes that help businesses and researchers develop and commercialise new products, processes and services.

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Critical Materials Supply Chain Innovation Network

Connect with partners and access funding, collaboration and commercial opportunities that strengthen the UK’s critical materials supply chains.

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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.

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Ignite 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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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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