Additionally,  an increase in AI consultancies generating templated applications and the sheer volume has made it difficult for true innovative projects to stand out.

Innovate UK has confirmed that they are refining the grant application process which will be focused on:

• A New Application Format with more focused questions on specific topics to reduce generic responses.
• A strong commercialisation plan and truly scalable innovation.
• A focus on Impact – projects that can deliver measurable economic and societal benefits.

This new Smart grant funding programme will launch shortly – now is the time to start thinking about preparing your application – why not talk to ABGI-UK?

We can help you articulate the problem that you are solving with your innovation, its impact and how your business will scale. We believe that AI-Driven mass produced applications with generic templates will no longer work – indeed we think the format and questions could change for each round.

What other funding is available?

This is also a great time to think about EIC Accelerator Grants from Horizon Europe available to British SMEs. They offer grants from €500,000 to €2.5 million but your technology needs to be at TRL 5 (technology validated in a relevant environment) and you are aiming to develop it further on your journey to market.

Your funding approach:

Don’t delay on securing grant funding and it’s important to remember there are other funding opportunities to deliver your innovation to the market.

Now is the time to:

• Ensure your application reflects your unique business identity rather than a templated answer that could apply to multiple projects.

• Think clearly about your innovation and what it can deliver. Your application will need to be detailed, specific, and provide a compelling case to win grant funding.

• Use external grant consultants where they provide a structured high quality approach not one that is based on AI-Driven templates.

If you have any further questions about securing Grant Funding for your innovation projects, please get in touch with ABGi. Our Grant Advisory Team will get back to you to discuss your unique needs and explain how we can assist.