Go Back
Description
Expected Outcome
Scope
Partner Requests
Contact
Related Fundings
Add to favorites:
Share:

Innovate UK Growth Catalyst – Investor Partnerships Round 2

Description

Innovate UK Growth Catalyst – Investor Partnerships Round 2 is a UK grant funding competition for growth-oriented innovative SMEs (start-ups at seed to Series A stage) that combines public grant funding with aligned private investment from pre-approved investor partners. It aims to accelerate research, development, and commercialization of innovations by helping companies secure both grant support and private capital.

Funding Amount

  • Total funding available: Minimum of £100 million allocated to the competition (subject to sufficient high-quality applications).
  • Per project funding ranges (grant + aligned investment):
    • Feasibility studies: £50,000 to £300,000 (grant up to 70% of eligible costs)
    • Industrial research: £100,000 to £1 million (grant up to 70%)
    • Experimental development: £250,000 to £2 million (grant up to 45%)
  • Grant + Investment Model: Grant funding only awarded if matched or aligned private investment is secured (minimum equal to or greater than the grant depending on research category).

Timeline & Deadlines

  • Competition opens: 10 December 2025
  • Competition closes: 3 February 2026, 11:00 am UK time
  • Applicants notified: Around 17 March 2026
  • Project start date: Around 1 July 2026

Submission Conditions

  • Applications must be submitted via the Innovation Funding Service by the stated deadline.
  • Applicants must complete all sections including project details, scope, finances, and innovation impact.
  • Applicant must have an Investor Partner confirmed before submitting; failure to do so will render the application ineligible.
  • Only one application per SME is permitted in this round.
  • Projects must start only after the Grant Offer Letter (GOL) and aligned investment confirmation.
  • Projects must include eligible costs only, and begin on the first of a month.
  • Applicants must comply with UK subsidy control and not be in financial difficulty.

Eligible Types of Businesses

  • UK-registered SMEs (micro, small or medium) only.
  • Single-applicant projects (no formal consortiums).
  • Must conduct project work in the UK and plan to exploit results in or from the UK.

Expected Outcome

Successful projects are expected to:

  • Accelerate R&D and commercialization of innovative products, services, or technologies.
  • Translate ideas into scalable business ventures in key UK strategic sectors.
  • Secure aligned private investment alongside grant funding.
  • Contribute to long-term growth, job creation, and competitive advantage in UK industry.

Scope

Projects must:

  • Demonstrate a clear route to market and significant growth potential.
  • Be aligned with one or more of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy (“Invest 2035”) priority sectors, including: Advanced manufacturing; Clean energy industries; Digital and technologies; Defence; Creative industries; Life sciences (including Battery Innovation Programme contexts).
  • Have an investor partner relationship established before the application (investor must submit an Expression of Interest and agree support with the applicant).

Scope encourages projects in areas that strengthen competitiveness, productivity, and market impact through innovation.

Partner Requests

Explore Real Collaboration Opportunities

🔍 As a logged-in member, you now have exclusive access to all active Partner Requests for this Funding Call.
See who’s looking for collaborators, explore exciting project ideas, and discover how others are planning to make an impact.

💡 Use these insights to get inspired—or take the next step and start a request of your own (first 3 entries for free).

Log in or registrate here for free.

Ask our experts about this call

Connect with the Listing Owner!

💬 Please log in now to send a direct message to our experts and ask your questions. Not a member yet? Sign up for free and start connecting today!

Related Funding and Finance Opportunities

Unlock Exclusive Funding Opportunities!

🔑 Get instant access to tailored funding opportunities that perfectly match your needs. This powerful feature is exclusively available to our premium members—helping you save time, stay ahead of the competition, and secure the right funding faster.

Upgrade to Premium now and never miss an important opportunity again! Already a premium member? Log in here to explore your matches.

Related Innovation Offers

Discover Tailored Innovation Offers!

🚀 Gain access to technology solutions that match your specific needs and interests—carefully selected to support your innovation goals. These offers are exclusively available to our premium members, helping you identify relevant technologies faster and start the right conversations with potential partners.

Upgrade to Premium now and explore your personalized technology matches today! Already a premium member? Log in here to view your tailored offers.

Related Knowledgeable Resources

Discover More with Premium: Related Knowledge Resources

🔒 You’re missing out on expert-curated knowledge specifically matched to this topic. As a Premium member, you gain exclusive access to in-depth articles, guides, and insights that help you make smarter decisions, faster.

Whether you’re preparing a funding proposal, researching a new market, or just need reliable information—our Premium knowledge matches save you hours of research and point you directly to what matters.

Upgrade to Premium now and instantly unlock relevant knowledge tailored to your needs! Already a member? Log in here to view your personalized content.