Deadline Date: February 03, 2026
Applications are now open for Innovate UK Programme to help startups and scaleups with high growth potential to grow faster.
This initiative brings together a package of funding and tailored support designed specifically for growth-oriented businesses from seed to Series A. Through its established Investor Partnerships model, the programme provides aligned investment alongside expert guidance from Innovate UK Business Growth Innovation and Growth Specialists, Innovate UK Business Connect and the Catapult Network. This combination ensures that participating companies receive not only capital investment but also the strategic support needed to refine their innovations, strengthen their capabilities and move confidently toward commercial success.
Applicants can enter the programme through one of three research categories depending on the maturity and nature of their innovation. Feasibility study projects must have total costs between £50,000 and £300,000 and last between six and twelve months. Industrial research projects require total costs between £100,000 and £1 million, with durations between six and twenty-four months. Experimental development projects must fall between £250,000 and £2 million and run for twelve to twenty-four months. Each project must begin on the first day of the month, and no work can start until the Grant Offer Letter has been fully approve
The competition is focused on giving innovative SMEs the research and development support necessary to develop and commercialise new products, services or technologies. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a clear route to market, a strong link to innovation and the ability to assemble a capable team that can deliver the proposed project. By the time of contracting, businesses must be registered in the UK as SMEs and able to complete the required aligned investment through the issue of new shares or convertible debt. Projects must also show the potential to create significant market impact, demonstrate strong opportunities for growth and scaling and attract interest from equity investors.
Overall, Innovate UK Growth Catalyst provides a powerful platform for start-ups that are ready to scale, helping them unlock investment, accelerate research and development and bring innovations to market more rapidly. The programme is designed to remove barriers to growth and empower ambitious SMEs to become the next generation of high-growth UK businesses.
For more information, visit Innovate UK Business Connect.
