Innovation funding opportunities
Looking for funding and support to develop your idea? At Innovate UK Business Connect, we connect businesses, researchers and innovators with the right opportunities they need to grow.
Explore opportunities for funding and expert guidance, to help turn your innovation into a commercial success.
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Sectors:
DRIVE35 Innovation Fund: Collaborate 3
Opens: 26/06/2026
Closes: 16/09/2026
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £20 million for late stage collaborative research and development projects. Projects will support the UK’s transition to zero emission vehicles and a pathway to a net zero automotive industry.
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DRIVE35: Scale Up Fund
There is no submission deadline
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £150 million, to create scale up manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle technologies.
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Horizon Europe 2026-27: Horizontal Actions - Bridging Actions
Various closing dates between January and June 2027
A series of topics aiming to facilitate a smooth transition between Horizon Europe 2021–2027 and the next EU R&I Framework Programme, Horizon Europe 2028–2034.
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Horizon Europe 2026-27: Horizontal actions - Transformative change towards a nature-positive economy and society
Opens: 06/10/2026
Closes: 16/09/2027
Supporting R&I activities dedicated to biodiversity across pillar II of Horizon Europe, with up to €50m for the largest projects.
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Horizon Europe Chips Joint Undertaking 2026
Various closing dates to 31 March 2027
Topics under the CHIPS-JU work programme, aiming to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem, with up to €70m available for the largest projects.
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NHS Cancer Programme - Innovation Open Call 4
Opening Sep 2026; closing date tbc
Applications are invited for innovations that focus on productivity and supporting the NHS to meet Cancer Waiting Times, as well as innovations that support the earlier detection and diagnosis of cancer.
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Innovation Loans Expression of Interest
There is no submission deadline
UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprises can submit an Expression of Interest for loans for close to market innovative projects with strong commercial potential. They must significantly improve the UK economy and drive societal benefit.
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Future Leaders Fellowships: Round 11, business and non-academic
Opens: 22/06/2026
Closes: 04/11/2026
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £110 million to deliver ambitious research and innovation and develop future leaders. This funding is from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
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Circular Bio-Based Europe: 2026 call for project proposals
Opens: 23/04/2026
Closes: 22/09/2026
CBE-JU is funding projects developing innovative and sustainable bio-based solutions, with up to €20m for the largest projects.
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New standard for construction SMEs: PAS 1958
Open indefinitely
A new standard to aid navigation of existing data and information standards relevant to the built environment and construction sectors.
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European Space Agency: Connectivity and Secure Communications (ARTES)
Calls open year-round
ARTES is ESA’s main programme for technology development in satellite communications – it transforms investment in space into successful products and services.
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UK Space Agency: Navigation Innovation and Support Programme (NAVISP) - open calls
Apply anytime
Organisations working in Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) can receive funding from the European Space Agency, with support from the UK Space Agency.
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Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure 2: Energy Efficiency
Opens: 26/03/2026
Closes: 16/09/2026
Up to £150m total funding across 3 strands: this strand will fund the development and build of innovative vessel energy efficiency technology and any accompanying innovative infrastructure upgrades.
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Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure 2: Electric Power
Opens: 26/03/2026
Closes: 16/09/2026
Up to £150m total funding across 3 strands: this strand will fund the development and build of innovative 100% battery electric vessels, accompanying charging infrastructure, and shore power systems including related energy infrastructure and vessel upgrades.
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Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure 2: Alternative Fuels
Opens: 26/03/2026
Closes: 16/09/2026
Up to £150m total funding across 3 strands: this strand will fund the development and build of innovative alternative fuel vessels and accompanying port refuelling infrastructure.
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European Space Agency Open Call For Proposals: Proof-of-concept Studies and Pilot Projects
Rolling deadline: submit initial application (Activity Pitch Questionnaire) at any time.
An always-open invitation for businesses to apply for a funding activity relating to a space-enabled application or service for any industry, market or topic. UK applicants can receive up to 50% of costs.
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British Business Bank Investment Fund for Northern Ireland
Applications open year-round
The Fund offers two different commercial finance options: loans ranging from £25,000 to £2 million, and equity investments up to £5 million.