Grant News

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a non-departmental public body of the United Kingdom government that serves as the national funding agency for science and research,  has announced a new Proof of Concept funding opportunity to support the commercialisation of research and bolster innovation. This initiative, with a total investment of £9 million, aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial ventures by providing critical early-stage support to projects across all disciplines.

Eligible UK research organisations can apply for grants ranging from £100,000 to £250,000 for projects lasting between six to 12 months. The funding is designed to support both the advancement of research towards specific user needs or market applications and the development of necessary commercialisation strategies. Activities that may be funded include product design, prototype development, market pathway refinement, and intellectual property strategy development.

The application process for this grant is currently open, with a mandatory first step requiring prospective applicants to register their intention to submit by the 3rd March 2025 at 4:00 pm UK time. The full funding opportunity will be available on the UKRI funding finder from 12 March 2025. All projects must commence by 1 September 2025.

To apply, interested parties should visit the UKRI website for full details on how to submit their intention to apply and subsequently their full proposal. This new funding initiative is expected to significantly enhance the UK's innovation landscape by supporting researchers in translating their groundbreaking ideas into practical solutions that can improve lives and bolster the economy.