Innovate UK is developing new funding and support packages for innovative SMEs
At Innovate UK, we understand that start-ups face unique challenges in their early stages and need tailored support to navigate the complexities of innovation, sustainability and scaling.
With this understanding, we are rethinking how we work with innovative startups and SMEs to better serve their needs.
From January 2025, we are pausing our Innovate UK Smart Grants offer, while we continue our work with startups and SME communities in determining how we can better serve these businesses, through funding and other support products.
Driven by these insights, in Spring 2025, we will pilot an initial package of support, which will continue to evolve during the year.
Startups play a vital role in job creation and growth for the UK economy, so we look forward to working with many of you to support and accelerate your innovation journeys.
We have now closed the engagement survey and want to thank everyone who shared their insights. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are looking carefully at your ideas as we shape our future support for startups and SMEs. Watch this space for updates over the coming weeks—we’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to working together to create even more opportunities for innovation.
Start-up Connect
Creating a new business to take an idea from concept to commercialisation can be a challenge when you don’t know where to go for support. Innovate UK Start-up Connect puts your business growth journey at the heart of how and when we support you.