Emerging Technologies

Emerging Technologies are those technologies that are still largely held by the research base or in recently formed start-up companies. However, these technologies are disruptive and can offer a step-change in efficiency or functionality over existing products. We have a broad remit, with projects involving the quantum sciences, medical technologies, infrastructure and transport; all involving early-stage technologies at a lower than usual TRL.

Emerging Technologies are those technologies that are still largely held by the research base or in recently formed start-up companies. However, these technologies are disruptive and can offer a step-change in efficiency or functionality over existing products. We have a broad remit, with projects involving the quantum sciences, medical technologies, infrastructure and transport; all involving early-stage technologies at a lower than usual TRL.

We work with the innovators – either in business or academia, and those with an eye on future challenges and technologies.

We want to hear from people with ideas that can offer solutions to problems that others think are impossible to solve. We also want to hear from you if you want to think about challenges that are beyond your current roadmap.

Whether you are an innovator with a new concept, or you have an interest in meeting tomorrow’s challenges, we can connect you to people who can help. We can link you with potential end-users, guide you to sources of funding and tell you about technologies that you may not have come across previously.

Our current focus in this area

Quantum-enabled devices present a huge market opportunity for the UK. These technologies could transform a range of sectors including transport, healthcare, infrastructure, ICT, telecommunications and defence.

From bioelectronic medicine that treat chronic diseases, to brain-computer interfaces that help stroke rehabilitation, neurotechnology will play an increasingly important role in meeting some of the challenges of an ageing society.

In the past biomimicry or biomimetics started from simple imitation of natural organisms. Over time, it has evolved through integration and combination with modern science and engineering to help us discover new materials, applications, and alternative ways of production.

Driving innovation in the regulation and development of phage-based technologies for applications across multiple sectors, ensuring the UK maintains its strong stance on tackling antimicrobial resistance and solidifies its position as a world leader in phage research.

Related Opportunities

Microbiome Engineering for Resilience and Performance

Opens: 29/10/2025   Closes: 05/12/2025

The Innovation Exchange (iX) Programme is supporting Dstl to find innovators who can help to enhance the resilience and/or performance of UK Defence personnel using microbiome engineering.

More Information

The Agentic AI Pioneers Prize

Opens: 13/10/2025   Closes: 19/11/2025

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £1m to develop Agentic AI solutions for Advanced Manufacturing, Health and Life Sciences, and Creative Industries.

More Information

National Materials Innovation Programme: Feasibility Studies

Opens: 03/11/2025   Closes: 17/12/2025

Up to £100k per project for advanced materials innovations in energy, healthcare, structure, durability, electronics, polymers, and metamaterials/metasurfaces.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Tue
2
Dec
2025

Glimpse of the Future Roundtable and Networking Event - London

12.00 - 16.00 | London

Register for this event
Tue
27
Jan
2026

The Future Tech Deep Dive Series

10.00 - 00.00 | Online

Register for this series
Mon
29
Sep
2025

UK AI Deep-Tech Horizon Scanning Sessions

09.30 - 16.15 | Oxford, Cambridge and London

Read more
Thu
20
Nov
2025

The Human Futures event series

12.00 - 16.00 | Edinburgh, Birmingham, London

Register for this event
Tue
8
Jul
2025

Glimpse of the Future Roundtable and Networking Event - North East

12.00 - 16.00 | Gateshead

Read more
Thu
12
Jun
2025

Glimpse of the Future Roundtable and Networking Event

12.00 - 16.00 | Convene, London

Find out more
Tue
13
May
2025

Connected Journeys: Integrating Micromobility for Smarter, Greener Transport

14.30 - 15.30 | Online

Watch now
See all events

Our Experts

Related News

Save the Date - UK National Quantum Showcase 2025

14/04/2025

Save the Date - UK National Quantum Showcase 2025

Innovate UK will be hosting the UK’s National Quantum Showcase on Friday 7 November 2025 at BDC, London building on the show’s decade of successes.

Read more
Quantum Leap: UK quantum tech showcases enormous progress at industry get-together

11/11/2022

Quantum Leap: UK quantum tech showcases enormous progress at industry get-together

Over 1,000 delegates packed into the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London on Friday 11 November to see the great technological strides made in the field of quantum technology at the 6th Quantum Showcase.

Read more
£3.2m funding awarded to advance early-stage healthcare innovation

24/07/2024

£3.2m funding awarded to advance early-stage healthcare innovation

Thirty-three companies, which took part in Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst pilot accelerators, have been awarded funding to further develop their innovative projects.

Read more
More News

For general enquiries regarding our Emerging Technologies sector contact us now

Close

Connect with Innovate UK Business Connect

Join Innovate UK Business Connect's mailing list to receive updates on funding opportunities, events and to access Innovate UK Business Connect's deep expertise. Please check your email to confirm your subscription and select your area(s) of interest.