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
Robotics Adoption Hubs
Opens: 24/02/2026 Closes: 15/04/2026
UK registered organisations can apply for up to £7.5m per project to create one-stop shops to help end-users adopt robotics and autonomous systems.
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Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chains: Potential High Growth SMEs
Opens: 18/03/2026 Closes: 22/04/2026
UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for a share of up to £2 million for pre-commercialisation projects.
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Medicines Manufacturing: Labs of the Future
Opens: 13/04/2026 Closes: 27/05/2026
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £7.5 million to support the development and use of digital, automated, and robotic technologies. This aims to improve the speed and efficiency of pharmaceutical process development and manufacturing.