Grants for Small and Micro UK Firms to Develop Emerging Technologies

Innovate UK has launched the Growth Catalyst Early Stage: New Innovators Competition to support early-stage UK micro and small businesses working on innovative technologies. The initiative offers targeted financial and business support to help organisations develop ideas with clear commercial potential.

Up to £10 million in grant funding is available, with each project eligible to receive between £25,000 and £50,000. Project costs will be fully funded. Support will also include access to Innovation and Growth Specialists and Innovate UK Business Connect.

Projects must focus on one or more of the UK’s five critical technologies: artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced connectivity technologies, quantum technologies or engineering biology. Proposals must aim to create new products, services or processes that represent a significant advance on existing offerings or propose innovative uses or business models based on current technologies.

The competition is open to single applicants only. To qualify, the lead organisation must be a UK-registered micro or small business that has not previously received direct funding from Innovate UK. Projects must be delivered in the UK, and applicants must plan to exploit the results from within the UK for domestic or global benefit.