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
Global Incubator Programme: Canada - Made Smarter Innovation
Opens: 09/06/2025 Closes: 31/08/2025
This Global Incubator Programme (GIP) provides an opportunity for UK-based companies to expand into the Canadian market and collaborate with North America's largest urban innovation hub.
More Information
DRIVE35 Scale-up: Feasibility Studies
Opens: 14/07/2025 Closes: 03/09/2025
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £5 million for feasibility studies into UK manufacturing of zero emission vehicle technologies. This funding is from the Department for Business and Trade.
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Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events in 2025 & 2026
Applications for support usually close about 1 month before event date: early application is advised.
Innovate UK is offering Travel Support of up to £750 for companies to attend Horizon Europe consortia-building events in Europe. This valuable resource enables innovators to form new collaborative partnerships to help businesses grow.
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Global Business Innovation Programme - Robotics & Automation in Manufacturing, South Korea
Opens: 28/08/2025 Closes: 30/10/2025
Innovate UK is inviting ambitious innovative companies to participate in a 9-12 month programme to help them grow in the South Korean market.
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Global Business Innovation Programme - Robotics & Automation in Manufacturing, Japan
Opens: 01/08/2025 Closes: 26/09/2025
Innovate UK is inviting ambitious innovative companies to participate in a 9-12 month programme to help them grow in the Japanese market, including attending Factory Innovation Week.
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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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Related Events and Recordings
Related News
12/09/2024
Innovate UK launches new community for UK start-ups
Speaking at the Innovate UK Supporting Innovative Start-ups event held 11 September in Birmingham, CEO, Indro Mukerjee unveiled a new community as part of Start-up Connect.
