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).

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

Launchpad: Bio-based Manufacturing, Scotland – Round 2 CR&D

Opens: 04/11/2024   Closes: 11/12/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £5.25m to grow their innovation activities in the bio-based manufacturing cluster in Scotland.

More Information

Launchpad: bio-based manufacturing, Scotland – Round 2 MFA

Opens: 04/11/2024   Closes: 11/12/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £5.25m to grow their innovation activities in the bio-based manufacturing cluster in Scotland.

More Information

Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: Round 18

Opens: 31/10/2024   Closes: 08/01/2025

UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Wed
24
Apr
2024

Webinar series: Transforming supply chains with AI

10.00 - 11.00 GMT | Online

Watch now
Fri
5
Jun
2020

Accelerating Hardware Innovation with HAX mentor Alan Clayton

11.30 - 12.30 | Online

Watch Now
See all events

Related News

Innovate UK launches new community for UK start-ups

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.

Read more
Innovate UK and Make UK join forces

29/08/2024

Innovate UK and Make UK join forces

Innovate UK has teamed up with Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, to help accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies in the manufacturing sector.

Read more
More News
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.