National Materials Innovation Programme: Feasibility Studies (Round 2) – UK

The programme focuses on advanced materials innovation, applied materials science, materials development, novel materials deployment, improving existing materials, developing new materials, innovative use of existing materials, industrial adoption, performance improvement, efficiency enhancement, competitiveness, sustainability, resource efficiency, collaboration, and support for the eight high growth sectors identified in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will invest up to £2 million into feasibility study projects under the National Materials Innovation Programme. The initiative was announced as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan within the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and represents the second round of feasibility studies under the programme.

The competition is designed to support collaboration within the materials innovation community and accelerate the translation of advanced materials research into industrial applications. Projects are expected to focus primarily on applied materials science, materials development, or innovative deployment of materials to overcome technical barriers and improve industrial performance.

Projects must request grant funding between £50,000 and £100,000, run for no longer than nine months, start by 1 November 2026, and end by 31 July 2027. Applicants are also required to provide a letter of support from an end user operating within one of the targeted growth sectors.

To lead a project or apply individually, organisations must be UK-registered businesses of any size. Academic institutions, charities, public sector organisations, research and technology organisations, and not-for-profit organisations may participate only as collaborators. All funded project work must be carried out within the UK, and applicants must intend to exploit the results from or within the UK.

For more information, visit GOV.UK.