Area of investment and support

Strength in Places Fund

This fund helps areas of the UK build on existing strengths in research and innovation to deliver benefits for their local economy. Projects focus on a self-defined area anywhere in the UK, not limited by nations or regions.

• Budget: £316 million
• Partners involved: UKRI

The scope and what we're doing

The Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) is a UKRI programme that helps areas of the UK to build on existing strengths in research and innovation to deliver benefits for their local economy. It aims to:

• support innovation-led regional growth
• enhance local collaborations involving research and innovation.

Projects focus on a self-defined area anywhere in the UK, not limited by nations or regions.

All projects are collaborative and are led by consortiums that include both research organisations and businesses. Consortiums also need strong engagement from local leadership partners.

The fund is open to any sector, area of technology or research discipline.
Following initial assessment, we award each shortlisted consortium seed funding to develop their application for full funding. We consider the potential for impact on the local economy when selecting projects to receive full funding.

SIPF is funded from the Strategic Programmes budget (formerly the National Productivity Investment Fund).

Opportunities, support and resources available

There are no SIPF funding opportunities at the moment. If more become available we will publish them in our funding opportunities.

Our funding opportunities may fund research and development projects that are classed as feasibility studies, industrial research or experimental development.

For feasibility studies and industrial research projects, the following intervention rates may apply:

• up to 70% if you are a micro or small organisation
• up to 60% if you are a medium-sized organisation
• up to 50% if you are a large organisation

For experimental development projects which are nearer to market, the following intervention rates may apply:

• up to 45% if you are a micro or small organisation
• up to 35% if you are a medium-sized organisation
• up to 25% if you are a large organisation

Capital costs may be funded through some funding opportunities with intervention rates of up to 80%.

Past projects, outcomes and impact

There were two stages of funding:

• £2 million ‘seedcorn’ funding for 40 projects
• £314 million allocated to 12 full stage projects.

Find details of all projects funded by the Strength in Places Fund.

Last updated: 5 January 2023