Deadline Date: May 28, 2026
Innovate UK is offering up to £7.5 million to support the development of digital, automated, and robotic technologies aimed at transforming pharmaceutical process development and manufacturing.
The competition focuses on promoting the commercialisation of digital and automated medicines manufacturing innovation, utilising data, AI, and robotics to improve productivity and reduce time-to-patient, advancing integration and adoption of automation and digital technologies, supporting workforce upskilling and reskilling, and accelerating the launch of new and improved products, processes, and services.
This funding opportunity supports projects that contribute to the vision of “Labs of the Future,” where laboratories evolve into intelligent, data-driven environments powered by automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and connectivity. These advanced labs are expected to operate continuously, enhancing research, development, and manufacturing efficiency.
Projects must demonstrate clear value creation through improvements in productivity, cost, quality, or speed, and should integrate seamlessly with existing digital and automation systems. Applicants are required to embed regulatory considerations from the outset and align with relevant data standards and interoperability frameworks where applicable. Flexibility and scalability across different medicine modalities and workflows are also encouraged.
The competition supports innovations starting at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and progressing to at least TRL 6, with demonstrators validating technologies in representative conditions. Workforce development is a key component, with applicants expected to include plans for training and supporting adoption of new technologies.
Eligible projects can explore areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, data-driven decision-making, data integration, Internet of Things and connectivity, continuous laboratory operations, automation and robotics, digital twins, AI-driven asset management, predictive supply chains, and process analytical technologies. The grant funding request must range between £500,000 and £1.5 million, with project durations between 9 and 24 months.
To lead a project, applicants must be UK-registered SMEs, either working alone or in collaboration with other UK-based organisations such as businesses, academic institutions, charities, public sector organisations, or research and technology organisations. Collaborative projects must ensure balanced cost distribution and provide a clear rationale for partnership.
This competitive funding process considers project quality as well as factors such as prior conduct with Innovate UK or UKRI, and funding decisions may be influenced by broader policy or portfolio considerations.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
