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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Sectors:
Canada-UK Collaborative R&D 2024
Opens 04/11/2024
Closes: 16/04/2025
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £3 million for collaboration with Canadian SMEs on joint R&D projects.
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European Space Agency: Commercial Applications of Space-Enabled Robotics: Agriculture
Apply by 15/1/25: applications reviewed when received
ESA seek proposals for services that combine the use of satellite technologies and robotics for Agriculture applications.
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AI solutions to develop AI competencies in key sectors
Opens 04/11/2024
Closes: 29/01/2025
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2m for AI solutions to support AI upskilling in key sectors; construction, transport, creative, and agrifood.
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Design Foundations Round 6
Opens 04/11/2024
Closes: 15/01/2025
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2m for people centred and systemic design projects to influence, inform and de-risk R&D activities.
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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
Apply by 28/2/25: applications reviewed when received
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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Mindset extended reality (XR): Digital therapeutics for mental health
Opens 04/11/2024
Closes: 15/01/2025
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £3.7 million for R&D projects that provide digital therapeutics for mental health solutions.
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Henry Royce Institute: Access Schemes
Opens 12/09/2024
Closes: 03/03/2027
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 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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Digital Standards Training
Short courses, various dates
Accelerate your AI innovation journey with BSI’s training on internationally recognised standards. Increase productivity and efficiency in your organisation, while developing the skills and capabilities to manage AI development or adoption in a responsible and trustworthy way.
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