Worcestershire manufacturers and digital technology innovators have a new opportunity to access major UK grant funding to boost resource and energy efficiency through innovation.
The Made Smarter Innovation: SME Resource and Energy Efficiency Competitions are now open for applications – offering up to £15.5 million in grant funding to support projects that reduce waste, improve productivity, and accelerate the UK’s journey toward net zero.
What’s on Offer
Two funding strands are available:
-
Feasibility Studies – £25,000 to £150,000
-
Industrial Research – £200,000 to £1,000,000
Grants cover up to:
-
70% of eligible costs for micro and small businesses
-
60% for medium-sized enterprises
These projects are designed to help manufacturers integrate industrial digital technologies that deliver measurable sustainability and efficiency benefits.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to UK-registered SMEs that are:
-
Technology developers or manufacturers.
-
Collaborative projects (for industrial research) must include at least two manufacturing partners, and may also involve academic or research organisations.
If you’re looking for collaborators, you can join an online drop-in session to connect with potential project partners.
Key Dates
-
Competition opens: 22 October 2025
-
Briefing webinar: 27 October 2025
-
Applications close: 10 December 2025
-
Projects start: 1 April 2026
Project Focus Areas
Projects should explore digital solutions that improve sustainability and resource use, such as:
-
Reducing raw material, process, packaging, or maintenance waste
-
Improving energy efficiency in systems like boilers, compressors, motors, or ovens
-
Implementing smarter monitoring and data-driven optimisation
Apply Now
Find full details and apply via Made Smarter Innovation:
🔗 Made Smarter Innovation: SME Resource and Energy Efficiency Competitions
For local support with your application or to discuss your innovation plans, contact the Worcestershire Growth Hub team.
