Design Foundations: Round 6

Funding to support innovation and de-risk R&D activity

Innovate UK is offering up to £2 million to support innovation projects that apply people-centered and systemic design methods.

This funding aims to help businesses lay a strong foundation for innovative ideas with high potential impact. Projects may include new products, services, or improved business models.

Funding is available for projects that use design to:

• enhance existing innovative ideas
• generate new ideas in response to specific needs or opportunities
• identify and plan responses to emerging opportunities

Projects must focus on user needs to ensure solutions are desirable, beneficial, and likely to drive adoption or behaviour change. Organisations new to design processes are encouraged to apply, and collaboration with design experts is recommended. If you would like to find a design expert to work with, contact Innovate UK Business Connect's Design team.

Projects should focus on the following (not exhaustive):

• net zero
• artificial intelligence and machine learning
• emerging and advanced digital technologies
• health and wellbeing
• food and agriculture (excluding primary production)

Find details on the current round of Design Foundations.

First published 12 November 2024