Innovate UK is offering a share of £10 million to micro and small businesses developing “affordable, adoptable and investable innovations” across five “critical technologies” including AI.
For projects focusing on AI, Innovate UK is looking to support the development of novel AI tools, technologies or services, and to deliver interventions that will contribute to the development of trusted and responsible AI and machine learning solutions.
Applications should demonstrate the innovative nature of the idea, the need for funding, and the capacity to deliver the project, the guidance notes. Applicants are also advised to include details of how proposals will develop their ideas or business, create new revenue streams, catalyse further innovation, or respond to changing market conditions. “Where funding is limited, we may make a funding decision based on the project type and size, grant requested, location, markets, technology and sector or theme within the scope criteria,” it states.
To be eligible, projects put forward must have total costs equalling their grant funding request, and of between £25,000 and £50,000; must be set to start by 1 November 2025 and to end by April 2026; plan to carry out project work within the UK; and intend to use outcomes from the UK for domestic or global benefit.
The competition closes on 6 August, 2025, at 11am. Click here to watch the applicant briefing video to find out more about how to apply.
Innovation across the health and care system
A recent HTN Now panel discussion explored the role of innovation in the move from reactive to proactive care. We were joined by experts from across the sector, including Dan Bunstone, clinical director at Warrington ICB; Patrick Denston, PCN digital transformation and change manager at Frimley ICB; Pete Thomas, CCIO and executive director of digital development at Moorfields Eye Hospital; and Joseph Waller, director at Aire Logic. The session looked at how NHS organisations are beginning to make the transition to proactive care, the kinds of data and digital tools required to make the change, and the impacts beginning to be seen on patient care, outcomes, and operational pressures.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has launched a digital hub in Leeds with a view to driving partnerships and innovation across the region. Set to be located in Wellington Place in Leeds city centre, the hub will initially be staffed by 30 permanent and highly-skilled roles that will sit within the Digital and Technology Group, focused on digital delivery, software development and data science.
35 innovations aiming to tackle acquired brain injury have been awarded a share of £3 million from the National Institute of Health and Care Research through the Invention for Innovation FAST 4 Awards. Funded projects include a new point-of-care device for the stratification and management of brain injuries, smart interactive reminders, a concussion management app, and an AI algorithm to personalise rehabilitation for stroke patients.
