Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support

About this funding

Innovate UK, administered by the Department for Business and Trade, delivers a comprehensive support programme combining grant funding, innovation loans, and expert guidance for businesses across the United Kingdom.

The initiative targets enterprises of all sizes, from emerging startups to established multinational corporations, operating across diverse sectors including agriculture, construction, healthcare, digital industries, manufacturing, science and technology, and transport. Grants ranging from £25,000 to £10 million support innovation projects aligned with Industrial Strategy priorities such as artificial intelligence, ageing society solutions, clean growth, and future mobility, alongside open innovation opportunities. Innovation loans between £100,000 and £1 million provide additional financing pathways. Greater Manchester businesses benefit from access to substantial capital investment, specialist advisory services, and structured support designed to accelerate technological advancement and competitive positioning across multiple industry verticals.

Who can apply

All business sizes (startups to multinational corporations); businesses operating in eligible sectors including agriculture and food, construction, health, IT, digital and creative, life sciences, manufacturing, science and technology, service industries, and transport and distribution; located in eligible UK regions including North West (Greater Manchester coverage)

How to apply

• Application process requires contacting Innovate UK via the Department for Business and Trade
• prospective applicants should review specific funding call criteria, deadlines, and submission requirements on the official Innovate UK portal or contact local business support advisors for Greater Manchester guidance

Common questions

What is Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support?

Innovate UK provides grants (£25,000–£10 million) and innovation loans (£100,000–£1 million) alongside expert support for businesses of all sizes across the United Kingdom, prioritising projects aligned with Industrial Strategy grand challenges or general innovation initiatives. Greater Manchester…

How much funding is available?

Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support offers Grants: £25,000–£10 million; Innovation loans: £100,000–£1 million.

Who can apply for Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support?

All business sizes (startups to multinational corporations); businesses operating in eligible sectors including agriculture and food, construction, health, IT, digital and creative, life sciences, manufacturing, science and technology, service industries, and transport and distribution; located in…

What is the deadline?

Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support accepts applications on a rolling basis — you can apply at any time.

Who provides Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support?

Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support is provided by Department for Business and Trade.

How do I apply for Innovate UK - grant funding, innovation loans and expert support?

Application process requires contacting Innovate UK via the Department for Business and Trade; prospective applicants should review specific funding call criteria, deadlines, and submission requirements on the official Innovate UK portal or contact local business support advisors for Greater…