Opportunities
Positive change is driven through new ideas and innovation. But innovation is complex. Sometimes projects need to be connected with new opportunities or looked at from new perspectives to make the difference. This is where Innovate UK Business Connect comes in.
If you’re looking for experienced input into your idea, product, service, research or challenge, then invite us to get involved. We will not only work with you in understanding your market or challenge but will also direct you to the latest opportunities available, and how you can apply.
Find out how Innovate UK Business Connect can support your application or help you find partners.
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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.
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HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: Miniature detectors sought to spot drones
Opens 03/02/2025
Closes: 20/02/2025
Drone detectors, small enough to fit inside a pocket or a hand, are sought in a new challenge launched by HMGCC (His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre).
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Innovation Exchange challenge: Cyber Security Adoption
Opens 13/12/2024
Closes: 25/02/2025
FS Group from Ukraine is keen to engage with companies who can accelerate demand for their cybersecurity services in industries such as Fintech.
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European Space Agency: Commercial Applications of Space Weather Data
Opens 19/02/2025
Closes: 05/05/2025
ESA seek space-enabled services and products related to observation, monitoring, analysis and modelling of the state of the Sun and (inter)planetary environments.
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DASA challenge: Future-proofing Biosecurity by Strengthening the UK’s Microbial Forensics Capability
Opens 12/12/2024
Closes: 18/02/2025
DASA seeks proposals that address challenges within the field of Microbial Forensics.
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NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Programme
Apply anytime
Small organisations from specific sectors in the UK are being offered practical support to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus at no cost to the organisation.
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Defence Innovation Loans 2024-25
Next cycle closing date is 28 Jan 2025; new cycle roughly every 2 months
Loans of up to £1m to help convert your mature defence innovation into a strong business proposition, with a below market interest rate of 7.4% per annum.
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European Space Agency: Maritime Decarbonisation through Autonomy
Opens 31/10/2024
Closes: 28/02/2025
Maritime autonomous systems offer transformative opportunities to make the sector cleaner, more energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable.
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British Business Bank Investment Fund for Scotland
Apply anytime
The Investment Fund for Scotland will deliver a £150 million commitment of new funding to the country.
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British Business Bank South West Investment Fund
Apply anytime
The South West Investment Fund will deliver a £200 million commitment of new funding to smaller businesses.
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British Business Bank Midlands Engine Investment Fund II
Apply anytime
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will deliver £400 million of new funding to small and medium-sized businesses across the Midlands.
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British Business Bank Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II
Apply anytime
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will deliver a £660 million commitment of new funding to smaller businesses.
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ICURe Explore programme cohorts
ICURe Explore cohort programmes throughout 2024 and 2025
Innovate UK ICURe Explore is a fast-paced, full-time, 12-week market exploration programme. Up to £35,000 for Entrepreneurial Lead’s salary and costs.
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ICURe Discover programme cohorts
ICURe discover cohort programmes throughout 2024 and 2025
Innovate UK ICURe Discover is an 8-week, part-time, online programme. Helps you find a market for your research, and how to apply your ideas.
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UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund
Applications accepted year-round
UKI2S invests in innovations from the UK’s science and knowledge base, specialising in engineering biology, defence & security, fusion energy, and space.
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ICURe Engage programme cohorts
ICURe engage cohort programmes throughout 2024 and 2025
Innovate UK ICURe Engage is a 4-week, part-time programme which helps you identify who could benefit from your research, and the benefits of entrepreneurship.
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