Find Innovation Funding – Step 1
Step 1: Find Innovation Funding
Navigating the UK and European grant landscape can feel daunting. With numerous funding bodies, constantly changing competition calls, and stringent eligibility requirements, people often struggle to find innovation funding that aligns with their project goals. In this guide, we break down the top funding sources and competitions, helping you make informed choices with confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Step
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Mapping the funding landscape – An overview of major UK and EU funders, including Innovate UK, APC, ARIA, ESA, EIC, and Horizon Europe.
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Understanding Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) – Align your project development stage with appropriate grant types, from early-stage research through to commercialisation milestones.
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Recognising eligibility & fit – From SME status and geographic eligibility, to consortium requirements and project budgets, tailor applications to funding criteria.
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Planning your funding strategy – Combine grants, repayable loans, and regional support like Scottish Enterprise to maximise success and sustainability.
UK Innovation Funding Flow
Explore how grant investment from major funders such as Innovate UK, government bodies, and research agencies is allocated through CapEx and R&D, and how it ultimately supports key sectors including Energy & Net Zero, Aerospace, Medical, and Digital Technologies.
UK-based
Major Funding Bodies and Key Competitions
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European-based
Major Funding Bodies and Key Competitions
Summary Table: EU Funding Overview
| Programme | Type | Target | Funding Size | UK Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EIC Accelerator | Grant / Blended | Deep‑tech SMEs (TRL 6–8) | Up to €2.5 M grant | ✅ Eligible in consortia post‑Brexit |
| Horizon Europe | Collaborative R&D | Academic + Industry | Variable (multi‑million €) | ✅ Fully accessible via association |
| ESA | Space Tech | Public/Private teams | Project‑based grants | ✅ Through national and ESA bids |
| Eureka / Eurostars | Market R&D | SMEs in consortia | €500k–€3M typical | ✅ Open to UK SME-led proposals |
| Cascade Funding (FSTP) | Mini-grants | SMEs (third-party) | Up to ~€300 k | ✅ Access through Horizon calls |
| EEN | Support Network | All SMEs | Advisory, not financial | ✅ UK‑based offices across regions |
Are You Eligible for the Funding?
Once you’ve taken steps to find innovation funding, it’s essential to evaluate your project’s fit. A key factor is your Technology Readiness Level (TRL) – a scale from 1 to 9 that reflects the development stage of your technology:
Find Innovation Funding – TRL Funding Table
| Stage | TRL Level | Primary Goal | Main Outputs | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamental Research | TRL 1–3 | Study or test novel technologies where practical application isn’t yet clear. | Better insight into application of a technology. Prototype not required but appreciated. | − Mainly aimed at research organisations− Limited Innovate UK support− TRL 1–3 |
| Feasibility Studies | TRL 3–4 | Determine technical potential or market feasibility of new technology. | A functional software model or early physical prototype to enable future product development/investment. | − Small project budgets (£50k–£300k)− TRL 3–4 |
| Industrial Research | TRL 4–6 | New product development with subsidies focused on R&D with some capex support. | Successful scale-up of an earlier prototype, validating a new product meets market needs. | − Project sizes £100k–£500k per business− Often £1m+ for collaborations− TRL 4–6 |
| Experimental Development | TRL 7–9 | Route-to-market focus: scale-up and commercialise existing tech or prototypes. | Demonstrated industrial scale capability (pilot) or validated commercial impact of a new product. | − Project budgets £500k–£2m+ for collaborations− £2m+ for special funds− TRL 7–9 |
How to Use This Table
Once you find innovation funding, follow this TRL-aligned roadmap to guide your funding strategy and competition selection:
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TRL 1–3 (Fundamental & Feasibility): Aim for early-stage academic discovery and proof-of-concept. Small feasibility grants fit well here.
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TRL 4–6 (Industrial Research): Good fit for prototype development and technical validation. Look to Innovate UK Industrial Research or APC support.
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TRL 7–9 (Experimental Development): Designed for pilot-scale or commercialisation efforts. Consider Innovation Loans, APC industrialisation, or EIC Accelerator.
The FI Group’s International Grants Guide 2025 is a comprehensive reference for businesses and institutions looking to leverage public funding opportunities worldwide. Covering over a dozen countries, the guide breaks down national and regional schemes that support R&D, innovation, energy efficiency, sustainability, and industrial transformation.
The FI Group’s International Grants Guide 2025 is a comprehensive reference for businesses and institutions looking to leverage public funding opportunities worldwide. Covering over a dozen countries, the guide breaks down national and regional schemes that support R&D, innovation, energy efficiency, sustainability, and industrial transformation.
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