Product Innovation
Turning an idea into a scalable, commercial product is a challenge that faces many entrepreneurs, innovators and SMEs. Developing a new product, new functionality or new customer experience can be difficult and success may not always happen. 97% of hardware startups fail (compared with 70% of tech start-ups).
Product Innovation
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The UK has world class University research and an outstanding track record when it comes to funding early stage research and innovation. We recognise that by turning more great ideas into products could have significant advantages for our economy and society.
In addition to the usual challenges associated with innovation, start-ups with products that require manufacturing face some additional hurdles such as:
- A diverse range of skills and experience
- A dependence on relationships across the supply chain, with designers, contractors and third parties
- The up-front scale of investment required is significant. Risks must be well managed and the business case compelling.
Having awareness of the key challenges and a strong network are fundamental to success. We can help you find the right people to complement your skills and experience, forge the right connections and act as a critical friend to challenge your thinking through the design to manufacture journey.
To start your journey, read our Navigating The Design to Manufacture Guide.
Related Opportunities
Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: Round 19
Opens: 09/01/2025 Closes: 05/03/2025
UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.
More Information
Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events
Applications close c. 1 month before event date
Innovate UK is offering travel support for companies to attend consortia-building events in Europe. Up to £700 is available to help cover travel and subsistence costs.
More Information
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP): 2025 – 2026 Round 1
Opens: 17/02/2025 Closes: 09/04/2025
UK registered academic institutions, RTOs or Catapults, working with businesses or not for profits, can apply for a share of up to £9m.
More Information
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.
