We fund businesses to develop innovative products, processes or services. You can also access expertise and specialist equipment to develop prototypes and products.
Businesses of any size can apply for funding, as long as they’re based in the UK. Funding ranges from £25,000 to £10 million.
UK-based SMEs can also apply for innovation loans of between £100,000 and £1 million.
UKRI takes an investment-driven approach. This means focusing on businesses with the ambition and potential to commercialise their ideas. We identify companies which, with our support, can maximise the return on our investment to the UK’s economy and society.
You can apply for funding if you want to do one or more of the following:
- test the feasibility of your idea and make sure it will work
- create a new product, process or service, or improve an existing one, through research and development
- work with other businesses or research organisations on collaborative projects.
Find partners through UKRI’s networking initiatives and tools
Businesses can also partner with a researcher or research organisation to apply for funds that need a research lead rather than a business lead.
Search konfer to find experts or institutions to partner with and collaborate on funding opportunities.
Use the Knowledge Transfer Network to find researchers across all sectors. The network provides support and helps businesses to make connections with potential partners.
Search the Enterprise Europe Network to find trusted partners, access finance or funding and improve how you manage innovation.