Artificial Intelligence
Future Telecoms
Materials
Quantum
Robotics
No innovation, no strategy… Why start-ups hold the key to the UK’s industrial ambitions
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Funding opportunities for R&D in key technology sectors
A summary of key current and upcoming UK and international funding opportunities
Current and upcoming UK and international funding opportunities across advanced technologies, including quantum computing, AI, cybersecurity, telecoms, advanced materials, and climate tech. Please note that deadlines and availability are subject to change. Check the official sources for the latest information.
Updated: June 2025
Quantum Technologies
Contracts for innovation: quantum sensors and PNT missions primer
- Status: Open
- Closing date: 2 July 2025, 11:00am UK time
- Total fund: £14 million (inclusive of VAT)
- Funder: Innovate UK
- Focus: Accelerating the development and adoption of quantum sensors and quantum position, navigation, and timing (PNT) products and services
- Eligibility: Open to organisations of any size, including international participants. Single applicants or those using subcontractors are eligible
- Prize purse: $5 million
- Focus: Development of quantum computing algorithms with real-world applications
- Eligibility: Open to teams worldwide, including businesses, research institutions, and start-ups
- Timeline: Ongoing
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
- Status: Ongoing
- Funder: Innovate UK
- Overview: Assists UK businesses in adopting AI technologies to improve productivity and efficiency
- Eligibility: UK-registered businesses across various sectors
Advanced Materials
Research to Advance UK Recycling Capabilities – Full Stage
- Status: Open
- Closing date: 23 July, 4:00pm UK time
- Funder: EPSRC / Defra
- Overview: Focuses on developing scalable, energy-efficient recycling systems
- Eligibility: Open to industry partnerships
Future Telecoms
Global Business Innovation Programme: Digital Health
- Status: Open
- Closing date: 8 June 2025
- Funder: Innovate UK
- Overview: Supports UK SMEs in exploring digital health opportunities in the USA, including aspects related to future telecoms
- Eligibility: UK-based SMEs with fewer than 250 employees
David Maher Roberts / Project Lead, Foresight
Founder and Managing Partner at Digital DNA a consultancy practice that helps businesses innovate, adapt and thrive. Advises startups, Bristol innovations and the venture studio Gravitywell. Founder of TechSPARK and The SPARKies.
