UKRI

Who it's for: Researchers and Academics: Individuals and teams in universities and research institutions across all disciplines (science, engineering, social sciences, arts, and humanities).

Funding for research projects, fellowships, and infrastructure.

Businesses and Innovators:Startups, SMEs, and larger companies developing new products, services, or technologies.

Support through Innovate UK for R&D, commercialization, and scaling innovations.

Universities and Higher Education Institutions: Block grants for research quality and knowledge exchange (via Research England).

Support for collaborative projects and partnerships.

International Collaborators: Overseas research organizations and partners through global programs like the Newton Fund and Horizon Europe.

Policy and Public Sector Stakeholders: Initiatives that align with national priorities such as net zero, health, AI, and economic growth.

In short, UKRI supports researchers, businesses, universities, and international partners to advance knowledge, drive innovation, and deliver societal and economic impact. | What you can get: Startups:

Early-stage innovation grants (e.g., Innovate UK Smart Grants) for R&D and proof-of-concept.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to connect startups with academic expertise.

Business Growth support: mentoring, investor readiness, and networking through Innovate UK EDGE.

Sector-specific competitions (e.g., health, creative industries, clean tech). Scaleups:

Scale-Up Programme: bespoke, director-led support for high-growth firms (typically 50%+ CAGR).

Access to investment networks, strategic partners, and international markets.

Innovation Loans (£100k–£2m) for commercialization and scaling.

Large R&D grants for advanced projects (e.g., Net Zero, AI, EV feasibility). Existing Businesses:

Collaborative R&D funding with universities and research organizations.

Catapult Centres for applied research and technology adoption.

Regional innovation programs and sector-specific initiatives (e.g., manufacturing, energy).

Support for digital transformation, sustainability, and export growth. Additional Support Across All Stages:

Funding Finder tool for tailored opportunities.

International collaboration programs (Newton Fund, Horizon Europe).

Tax incentives via R&D relief schemes (outside UKRI but often linked).

In short:

Startups get help with early-stage R&D and market entry.

Scaleups receive tailored growth support, loans, and large innovation grants.

Established businesses benefit from collaborative research, technology adoption, and sector-specific programs.