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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AI Use Case Framework
Open indefinitely
Access an actionable and customisable framework to support your AI adoption journey. The AI Use Case Framework can simplify and accelerate your strategy for identifying, selecting, and implementing the right AI solutions.
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European Space Agency: Space For Sustainable, Connected and Liveable Cities
Proposals reviewed periodically - apply from 28/3/25, final deadline 30/9/25.
ESA invites proposals for feasibility studies and demonstration projects to leverage space-based services and applications for smart cities.
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Applied AI Suite
Open indefinitely
Discover the Applied AI Suite: A comprehensive Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) solution, developed by Digital Catapult for the Innovate UK BridgeAI programme, to assess ML maturity, streamline AI/ML model deployment, and ensure optimal performance and scalability for organisations of all sizes.
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Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF): Expression of Interest
EOIs accepted on a rolling basis; quarterly assessments
Capital grants to support investments over £8m in the manufacture of human medicines, medical diagnostics and medtech products; assessed quarterly
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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 cohorts run from April 2025 to end March 2026
Innovate UK ICURe Discover is a part-time online market exploration programme for researchers and technicians, with up to £2,500 support for market discovery activities. It is a pre-requisite to attend ICURe Discover if you wish to apply for ICURe Explore or Exploit.
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Henry Royce Institute: Access Schemes
Open indefinitely
Find out how you can access state of the art equipment and facilities thorough the Henry Royce Institute Access Schemes.
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British Business Bank Investment Fund for Wales
Applications open year-round
Offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans £25k-£100k, debt finance £100k-£2m, and equity investment up to £5m.
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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.
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British Business Bank Growth Guarantee Scheme
Applications open year-round
The Growth Guarantee Scheme can generally support loan sizes of up to £2m and provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee.
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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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SMART: SCOTLAND grants for feasibility studies for SMEs
Applications accepted year-round
The SMART: SCOTLAND grant, for SMEs in Scotland, supports feasibility studies for high-risk, highly ambitious R&D projects.
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ICURe Engage programme cohorts
ICURe engage cohort programmes throughout 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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AI Skills for Business Competency Framework & Resources
Open indefinitely
Empower your business with AI skills using the Innovate UK BridgeAI AI Skills for Business Competency Framework. Developed by The Alan Turing Institute, this resource guides employers and training providers in understanding AI competencies, upskilling their workforce, and fostering talent. Explore now for invaluable insights.
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AI Standards Hub
Open indefinitely
A collaborative platform dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, skills and research related to standards, governance structures and regulatory developments for AI technologies. Join the AI Standards Hub community and explore our resources to expand your understanding of AI standards as governance tools and innovation enablers for AI developers and adopters.
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BridgeAI Standards Community
Open indefinitely
Harness the power of AI responsibly through standards support
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Discover Digital Transformation Training Programme
Short courses, various dates
Explore the potential of your business with the Discover Digital Transformation Training Programme by STFC Hartree Centre.
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