Deadline: January 21, 2026
UK businesses can apply for funding to collaborate on industrial research projects with partners in Eureka member countries and Japan through Innovate UK, which aims to support business-led, innovative projects with high market potential.
The aim of this competition is to fund business led, collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects focused on industrial research. This competition will be for innovative proposals developed between the UK, Japan and the other Eureka participating countries. Your project must have high market potential and develop at least one of the following: innovative products, technology based applications, technology based services. Projects must include at least one partner from Japan and can include other partners from one of the Eureka members participating in the competition. They encourage projects in key sector areas which align to the UK Industrial Strategy.
Innovate UK will invest a minimum of £2 million to fund collaborative research and development projects, with UK applicants able to request a total grant of up to £600,000 for each project. Projects can last up to three years and are expected to start by 1 July 2026. To be eligible, projects must be collaborative and include at least one UK registered business and at least one SME from Japan. UK project teams can also include other UK businesses, universities, and research and technology organisations, but research organisations cannot lead or work alone. Subcontractors are allowed but must not exceed 20% of total eligible costs, and non-funding partners can participate if fully financed elsewhere.
Funding covers up to 70% of eligible project costs for micro or small businesses, 60% for medium-sized businesses, and 50% for large businesses. UK research organisations can share up to 30% of total UK eligible costs, with Research Technology Organisations receiving 100% funding and Je-S registered academic institutions receiving 80% of full economic costs. All funding will comply with the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
Projects must demonstrate a genuine collaboration with clear game-changing or disruptive innovation leading to new products, processes, or services. Applicants should present a strong and deliverable business plan addressing market potential, practical financial plans, value for money, and routes to commercialization within two to three years of project completion. Intellectual property must be clearly defined and shared appropriately among participants, and projects involving animals must comply with UKRI welfare guidance. Projects that are not civilian, outside the scope, fail to meet eligibility, or do not include the required UK-Japan collaboration will not be funded.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
