Deadline Date: August 16, 2026
Applied AI Growth Sprints is seeking applications to support high-potential UK AI companies in moving from validated pilot projects towards scalable and deployment-ready capabilities.
The key focus areas of the programme include AI systems and infrastructure, commercialisation and go-to-market strategy, risk identification, security and privacy, data readiness, system robustness, governance, enterprise integration, operational maturity, technical and operational readiness, and AI scale-up support.
Applied AI Growth Sprints are part of the Applied AI Growth Programme funded by Innovate UK and delivered by Digital Catapult to help AI companies overcome barriers that can prevent innovations from progressing beyond the pilot stage.
The programme provides structured expert support to help companies strengthen the technical, operational, and commercial foundations needed for sustainable scale-up and future deployment readiness. The sprints are designed to support companies working within TRL 4–5 readiness boundaries.
A sprint is a time-bound focused module that helps companies address specific scale-up topics in a structured and practical way. Most sprints run for two weeks and require no more than three hours of mandatory participation per week.
The sprint format includes group workshops, one-to-one expert deep dives, specialist support, practical frameworks, tools, and tailored advisory guidance.
Selected companies will benefit from expert support across critical scale-up areas, clear pathways to scaling, and support to identify and prioritise key barriers, improve deployment readiness, and strengthen technical and operational maturity.
The programme also helps participants develop practical outputs, including capability roadmaps, positioning and market narratives, and risk frameworks. It supports companies in identifying and reducing key risks and barriers while increasing confidence in their progression towards market readiness.
Participants will also gain increased visibility within the UK innovation ecosystem, with opportunities for further engagement across the wider AI and innovation landscape.
The programme is open to UK-registered startups, scaleups, and SMEs operating in Industrial Strategy growth-driving sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services.
Eligible companies must be identified at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4–5 and have a participating team of three people, which may include full-time employees or individuals subcontracted for delivery.
Applicants should be developing a credible and differentiated AI-driven product or service based on a novel idea, supported by a capable team, validated through credible technology, and demonstrating a clear understanding of their market and ability to progress.
For more information, visit Digital Catapult.
