Innovate UK Investor Partnerships: SME round 6

UK registered businesses can apply for grant funding alongside private investment from selected investor partners

Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation (URKI), has selected a pool of investor partners to provide you with support for research and development, and access to the capital investment you need to develop and commercialise your innovations.

These investor partners have demonstrated that they have the credibility, capability, capacity and appetite to invest in innovative, technology-led businesses that align with Innovate UK programmes.

This funding opportunity is open to single applicants only. To apply, your organisation must:

• registered in the UK as a micro, small or medium sized business (SME)
• able to complete the aligned investment led by the investor partner needed to qualify for the award, through the issue of new shares or convertible debt

You must also demonstrate that if your project is funded, it will:

• have significant market impact
• be scalable
• be attractive to other equity investors

Innovate UK is looking to support projects that focus on the future economy areas included in the Innovate UK plan for action. This covers:

• net zero
• health and wellbeing
• next generation digital technologies and technology families

Innovation and ideas can come from anyone and anywhere. Diverse applicants and inclusive project applications, pushing beyond the status quo, are encouraged.

Innovate UK provides support for your investment readiness and for engaging with suitable investors via Innovate UK Business Growth and Innovate UK Business Connect. Support and connections to sector-specific investors may also be provided by the relevant Catapult Network centre.

You will need to establish a relationship and a level of investment traction with one of the approved investor partners before you apply for funding. A full list of selected investor partners is provided at Innovate UK Investor Partners – UKRI website.

The investor partner must have confirmed with you that you are in a position to apply for grant funding as you will be asked to identify them in the application.

You will only receive grant funding from Innovate UK if you also receive a minimum level of investment that has been led by your investor partner. The minimum level of investment will depend on the research category. 

Find out more about the Future Economy Investor Partnerships SME: round 6.

First published 23 January 2024