Chemistry
By 2050 our industry will have embraced a circular economy and be using different feedstocks, technologies and energy sources to produce chemicals. The Innovate UK Business Connect Chemistry team can help you navigate these changes and identify innovation that will ensure your business, research or service remains sustainable.
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Innovate UK Business Connect works with all sectors that use chemicals or chemistry in their business. These include:
- UK Chemical Manufacturers
- “Chemistry-using” Sectors – where chemistry is critical to the business, e.g. Pharmaceuticals, Home & Personal Care, Agrochemicals, Fuels and Energy
- Innovative companies (particularly SMEs and start-ups) and leading academics developing technologies and solutions for a Net Zero future
Innovate UK Business Connect uses sector knowledge to help businesses innovate through providing access to connections and collaborations as well as expertise and funding.
We can also help with innovation related to:
- Synthesis and catalysis. Materials chemistry, including formulated products, polymers and composites
- Digitalisation of manufacturing and R&D operations – for increased productivity
- Exploitation of Industrial Biotechnology and Engineering Biology (often called Synthetic Biology) for improved products and low carbon processes.
Our current focus in this area
Related Opportunities
Circular Critical Materials Supply Chains (CLIMATES) Investment Readiness Programme 2025
Opens: 05/06/2025 Closes: 31/07/2025
Innovate UK Business Connect are delighted to open our 2025 programme for up to 15 SMEs in the Critical Materials space who are seeking to accelerate their investment raise.
More Information
Horizon Europe 2025 work programme Cluster 4: Digital, Industry and Space
Opens: 03/05/2025 Closes: 02/10/2025
Topics available under Horizon Europe’s Cluster 4 programme for 2025/26, with up to €75m available for the largest single projects
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Novel solutions for disinfecting operational areas of a manufacturing unit
Opens: 19/05/2025 Closes: 27/06/2025
LUSH cosmetics would like to find alternative ways of disinfecting the machinery and equipment used during the manufacture of their products. They currently use Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) which is widely used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors but are keen to find a more environmentally frie…
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Battery Investment Readiness Programme 2025
Opens: 27/05/2025 Closes: 31/07/2025
Apply now to be part of the Battery Investment Readiness Programme for 2025. Innovate UK Business Connect will select up to 15 SMEs to join the programme to accelerate their investment journey.
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2026 European Prize for Women Innovators
Opens: 17/06/2025 Closes: 25/09/2025
The prize awards women from across the EU and countries associated to Horizon Europe, whose disruptive innovations are driving positive change for people and planet.
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European Space Agency: Space for Monitoring Hazardous Materials
Proposals reviewed from 9/6/25, early submission advised, final deadline 18/9/25
ESA seeks innovative space-enabled applications for hazardous materials management, with up to €75k available per project.
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Related Events and Recordings
Our Experts
Related News
18/10/2024
SusChem: the network driving innovation in sustainable chemistry
How the UK’s SusChem National Technology Platform (SusChem UK) is supporting the UK chemical industry by fostering innovation and promoting sustainable practices.
Read more
16/01/2025
Women Innovators in Foundation Industries Awards 2025 Shortlist
Discover the shortlisted nominees for the first ever awards from UKRI’s Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK, EPSRC and ESRC, recognising Women Innovators in Foundation Industries. These awards are taking place at Innovate UK’s Materials and Manufacturing Showcase in London on 19 February.