GrantEquity-free United Kingdom
Innovate UK Business Connect – Challenge Grants
Innovate UK Business Connect
Apply / official page ↗Typical funding
Values vary; example AI Champions: Frontier AI Phase 1 grants up to £175,000 covering up to 70% of project costs.
Maximum
Ranges from small feasibility amounts (e.g. £2,500) to multi‑million‑pound funds in specific challenges.
Startup stage
SMEs and startups with solutions to specific challenge briefs, from feasibility to demonstration stages.
Sector focus
AI, defence, clean maritime, textiles, environmental solutions and more, depending on challenge.
Overview
A wide set of challenge‑driven grants addressing specific industry problems across tech, defence, environment and research commercialisation.
Who's eligible
UK organisations that can directly address defined challenge statements with innovative solutions.
How to apply
Apply to individual challenge grants via Innovate UK Business Connect or Innovation Funding Service.
Good to know
Useful pipeline of targeted opportunities for specialised deep‑tech and vertical‑specific startups.