Worcestershire businesses and innovators – a new Innovate UK competition is opening soon that could fund feasibility studies focused on improving resource efficiency and resilience in supply chains.
What’s on offer?
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will invest up to £5 million in grant funding for feasibility projects that explore new ways of strengthening supply chain processes and systems.
Who can apply?
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UK registered businesses of any size
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Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs)
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Collaborative consortia involving businesses and partners such as charities, academic institutions, and public sector organisations.
Funding specifics
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Grant awards between £50,000 and £100,000 per project
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Project duration up to 9 months
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Projects must start 1 July 2026 and finish by 31 March 2027
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Work must be carried out in the UK with intended UK exploitation of results.
Scope & eligibility focus
Projects should:
✔ Be feasibility studies that focus on resource efficiency and supply chain resilience.
✔ Address cross-cutting challenges across at least two high-growth sectors (e.g., advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital & technologies, life sciences, defence, creative industries) or at least two advanced manufacturing frontier industries (e.g., automotive, aerospace, batteries/energy storage, space, advanced materials, agri-tech).
Key dates
📅 Competition opens: 2 February 2026
📅 Competition closes: 11 March 2026 at 11:00 am (UK time)
This funding is ideal for organisations looking to validate innovative approaches to supply chain challenges and accelerate new solutions towards broader commercial impact.
👉 Find out more and prepare to apply via the Innovation Funding Service on GOV.UK.