Up to £25 million is available for disruptive research and development (R&D) innovations that can significantly impact the UK economy.

All proposals must be business-focused, with deliverable, realistic and adequately resourced plans to achieve return on investment, growth and market share following project completion.

Applications can come from any area of technology and be applied to any part of the economy, such as, but not exclusively:

  • Net-zero
  • The arts
  • Design and media

This round of Smart grants reflects the importance of obtaining economic benefits from public funding, and the potential for successful commercialisation, growth and exports.

To be in the scope, your proposal must demonstrate:

  • A game-changing, innovative and disruptive idea that will lead to new products, processes or services.
  • An idea that is significantly ahead of others in the field, set for rapid commercialisation.
  • Clear potential to positively impact the UK’s position, productivity and competitiveness within the global economy.

Projects can be across a variety of technologies, markets and research categories, including:

  • Feasibility projects
  • Industrial research projects
  • Experimental development projects

Your application must include at least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) as the lead or collaborative grant claiming partner.

Projects must start by 1 May 2023 and end by 30 April 2026, and follow specific rules dependent on their duration.

See: Competition overview – Innovate UK Smart Grants: July 2022 – Innovation Funding Service (apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk)