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Grant Programme

Innovate UK Smart Grants

UK Research & Innovation
Information last verified: August 2026 · Source: apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk
Stage
MVP / early product, Early revenue, Scaling
Location
Equity
No equity taken
Cost
Free (competitive)
Delivery
Virtual
Any sector
MVP / early productEarly revenueScaling

Non-dilutive grant funding for UK businesses developing innovative products, processes or services. Open to all sectors. Smart Grants has been paused since early 2025 with no open rounds while Innovate UK pilots replacement funding, so check the Innovate UK funding service for the current position. Total project costs run from £100k to £500k for single-company projects of up to 18 months, and up to £2M for longer collaborative projects.


Why this programme

Find customers / partnerships
Grant-funded projects often include partner organisations that become early adopters and reference customers
Raise funding
Non-dilutive grant funding, no equity, no repayment
Build product / validate MVP
Specifically designed to fund product development and innovation
Scale & grow
Non-dilutive grant funding that can fuel product development and market expansion without giving up equity at a critical growth stage

Interested in Innovate UK Smart Grants?

Head to their website for current cohort dates and how to apply.

Visit Innovate UK Smart Grants → ← Back
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