Grants roadmapping aligns your innovation strategy with the right funding calls, then delivers the plan, the bid, and the post-award support to convert opportunities into awards. We run discovery workshops, scan and prioritise grants, write and manage bids, and support delivery after you win.

What is a grants roadmap?

A grants roadmap is a time-phased plan that links your technology milestones to the most suitable funding calls, with clear eligibility, timelines, bid ownership, and success actions.

A strong roadmap answers four questions: what to pursue, why it fits, when to apply, and how to win and deliver. It coordinates R&D, product, finance and partners, then sequences bids across UK and European programmes to maximise win-rate and cash flow alignment.

The FI Group by EPSA guide to International R&D Tax schemes in 2026

International R&D tax schemes in 2026 remain highly valuable, but the headline rate is only the starting point. CFOs need to compare the after-tax, after-grant and after-risk outcome across jurisdictions, then align project location, IP ownership, subcontracting, grant funding and evidence before major R&D spend is committed.

For UK groups operating internationally, the key question to ask is: where can our business generate a defensible, compliant and forecastable cash outcome without creating audit, transfer pricing or grant clawback issues later?

What are the leading international R&D tax schemes?

The leading 2025 international R&D tax schemes mix tax credits, super-deductions, reduced social contributions and IP/patent boxes. Headlines include the UK’s merged 20% credit, Germany’s 35% SME credit, Spain’s 25% volume plus 42% incremental, Singapore’s 68% after-tax benefit on the first S$400k, and US credits up to 13%, each with specific eligibility and interaction rules.

Most regimes share the same commercial aim: to encourage businesses to invest more in innovation. The practical rules vary widely. CFOs should compare:

• Eligible activities: what qualifies as R&D in that country
• Eligible costs: staff, subcontractors, consumables, cloud, software, assets and overheads
• Location rules: where the work, people and costs must sit
• Refundability: whether the incentive creates cash, offsets tax, or carries forward
• Grant interaction: whether public funding reduces the claim base
• IP and beneficiary rules: who owns, controls and benefits from the resulting technology

Global R&D Strategy and Finance Global R&D – Twenty Countries, One Team, One Strategy

FI Group UK delivers a unified global R&D strategy, combining R&D tax relief, grants, and non-dilutive funding under one coordinated team. We manage the financing of global R&D across jurisdictions, reduce complexity, mitigate audit risk, and capture every eligible incentive. This gives CFOs the clarity and scale they need to grow confidently.

We help you to build your global R&D strategy, working on our 25+ years of innovation funding experience.

What is Innovate UK grant funding?

Innovate UK grant funding is a government-backed financial incentive that helps UK-registered businesses fund research and development (R&D) projects. It provides non-repayable grants to support innovation, commercialisation, and growth across all sectors.

Innovate UK is the UK government’s innovation agency, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). With over £1 billion in annual funding, Innovate UK supports the development of new technologies, products, processes, and services through various targeted competitions.

Innovate UK Annual Funding (Approximate £ million)

Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) – Maximising Tax Relief for R&D-Focused SMEs

The UK Government introduced Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS) as part of its wider reform of R&D Tax Reliefs, offering additional financial support for the most innovative, R&D-focused small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At FI Group, we specialise in navigating the nuances of this enhanced scheme to ensure companies undertaking substantial R&D receive the highest possible level of support. Backed by our expert consultants, PhD-qualified technical teams, and global presence, we help clients claim with confidence, even under increased HMRC scrutiny.

With a proven low enquiry rate and bespoke claim processes, FI Group is the trusted partner for ambitious businesses seeking to leverage ERIS to fund their innovation roadmap.

What Is Enhanced R&D Intensive Support (ERIS)?

ERIS is an uplifted version of SME R&D Tax Relief designed for businesses that spend a significant proportion of their expenditure on qualifying R&D activities. From 1 April 2023, this support became available to loss-making SMEs whose R&D intensity exceeds 40% of total expenditure. The threshold will drop to 30% from April 2024, widening eligibility.

Eligibility for R&D Tax Credits in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide

Determining your eligibility for R&D tax credits is crucial because many companies underestimate their chances of qualifying. We speak to companies every day who assume R&D incentives “don’t apply” to them – in reality, the definition of R&D for tax purposes is broader than you might think.

If your business is attempting to overcome scientific or technological challenges, there’s a strong chance you could qualify for a valuable tax reduction or cash credit. By understanding the eligibility criteria and confirming your R&D tax credit eligibility, you ensure your company doesn’t leave money on the table. In a competitive market, this funding can be a game-changer for SMEs and larger enterprises alike, improving cash flow and enabling further innovation.

Sector Eligibility for R&D Tax Credits in the UK

R&D Tax Credits are not limited to high-tech or scientific fields. If your business is innovating in any meaningful way, you could qualify. Sectors we commonly support include:

• Manufacturing and engineering

• Software and IT

• Construction and architecture

• Food and beverage

• Pharmaceuticals and life sciences

• Renewable energy and cleantech

• Financial services and fintech

Whatever your industry, FI Group can help assess your eligibility with sector-specific expertise.

R&D Tax Relief Application Process: Everything You Need to Know

Navigating the complexities of R&D Tax Credits can be challenging, particularly under the evolving and increasingly scrutinised UK tax landscape. At FI Group, we act as your trusted partner in navigating this landscape, offering a comprehensive and highly tailored R&D Tax Credit service. With a multidisciplinary team that includes PhD-qualified scientists, engineers, and specialist tax professionals, we work across every stage of the claim process; from initial eligibility assessment to HMRC submission and defence.

Our track record is underpinned by a significantly low enquiry rate, reflecting the rigour, accuracy, and compliance of our approach. We don’t just submit claims; we optimise them. Whether you are a scaling SME, a large enterprise, or part of an international group, FI Group ensures your R&D incentives are maximised while reducing risk and administrative burden.

With over 20 years’ experience and operations in more than 20 countries, including offices in England and Scotland, FI Group combines technical insight, tax expertise, and local knowledge to help businesses secure the incentives they deserve.