Canada-UK Semiconductors Competition
Fostering Transatlantic Innovation
In a significant move to bolster international collaboration in the semiconductor sector, Innovate UK and Canada's National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) have launched the Canada-UK Semiconductors competition. This initiative aims to stimulate the development of innovative semiconductor technologies through joint projects between UK and Canadian organisations.
Overview of the Competition
The competition opened on 12th May 2025 and will close at 11am (UK time) on 15th October 2025. Canadian applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) by 23rd July 2025 and must be invited by NRC IRAP to proceed. The competition offers UK registered organisations the opportunity to apply for a share of at least £1 million in funding for collaborative projects with Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Each project can request up to £500,000 in grant funding for UK partners, with Canadian partners eligible for up to CA$500,000 through NRC IRAP.
Eligibility and Collaboration Requirements
To be eligible, UK applicants must collaborate with at least one Canadian SME that is a separate legal entity and not linked to the UK partners. Both UK and Canadian partners must submit parallel applications to their respective funding bodies, and projects must be independently selected by both Innovate UK and NRC IRAP to receive funding.
Project Scope and Focus Areas
The competition seeks to fund a variety of projects across the semiconductor sector, including but not limited to:
- Compound and wide band gap semiconductors
- Semiconductor design and intellectual property (IP)
- Advanced packaging
- Heterogeneous and hybrid integration
- Photonics, including silicon photonics
- Emerging materials
- Prototyping and low-volume piloting
- Processing or processes
- Simulation tools
- Application areas of interest encompass high-voltage systems, sustainable technologies (such as electric vehicles and renewable energy), communications (including Wi-Fi, 5G/6G, and satellite), sensors, and data centres.
Project Requirements and Funding Details
Projects must last between 12 and 24 months, starting no earlier than 1st April 2026, and ending by 31st March 2028. Most of the project work must be undertaken in the UK and Canada, with no single country or partner representing more than 70% of the total project cost. UK partners can receive funding covering up to 70% of eligible project costs for micro or small organisations, up to 60% for medium-sized organisations, and up to 50% for large organisations, depending on the research category. Canadian SMEs may receive up to 50% reimbursement of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of CA$500,000.
Application Process and Support
UK applicants must apply through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) portal, while Canadian partners must submit a parallel application to NRC IRAP. The application process includes sections on project details, application questions, finances, and project impact. Applicants are encouraged to contact Innovate UK for guidance and support, especially if they require reasonable adjustments due to disability or long-term conditions.
Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
This competition is part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Canada and the UK in scientific research and innovation. A Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024 highlights semiconductors as a key area of focus, recognizing their fundamental role in economic growth, prosperity, and security. By fostering collaborative projects in semiconductor technologies, the competition aims to build resilient supply chains and drive innovation that benefits both nations.
For more information and to apply, visit the Canada-UK Semiconductors competition page.
For a FREE consultation to discuss your project, contact RedKnight today.
Accelerating the UK's Future Flight
The UK's aviation sector is embarking on a transformative era, driven by innovations in drones, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and zero-emission conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) planes. To propel this evolution, Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Department for Transport (DfT), has unveiled two new funding competitions under the Future Flight Challenge: the "Future Flight: Strategic Growth" and the "Future Flight: Regional Demonstrator." These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between groundbreaking trials and real-world commercial operations, fostering sustainable growth and positioning the UK at the forefront of advanced aviation.
Future Flight: Strategic Growth
Objective: This competition seeks to accelerate the development of the UK drone sector by supporting projects that demonstrate progress towards commercialisation or routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. The focus is on building upon current state-of-the-art approaches to create growth and meet the objectives of the DfT's Future of Flight programme.
Key Details
- Funding Available: Up to £3 million in total, with individual grants ranging between £250,000 and £500,000.
- Project Duration: Projects must last between six and seven months, commencing on 1st September 2025 and ending by 31st March 2026.
- Eligibility: Open to UK-registered organisations. Projects must be carried out in the UK and intend to exploit the results from or in the UK.
Project Requirements
Applicants must deliver either:
- Tangible Outcomes in New Use Cases: Projects should focus on new use cases previously at a demonstration phase or scaling up existing commercial use cases, with strong end-user involvement.
- Developments Supporting Regulatory Policy: Projects should contribute to the regulatory policy concepts or concepts of operation being developed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to enable Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Applicants must be willing to share data and outputs with the CAA.
Strategic Focus Areas
Applications are particularly encouraged in areas such as medical delivery, inspection of critical infrastructure, maritime operations, agriculture, and support to frontline public services.
Application Deadline: 11:00am on Wednesday, 11th June 2025.
Future Flight: Regional Demonstrator
Objective: This competition aims to accelerate the transition from trials of cutting-edge innovations to real-world commercial operations at a regional scale. The goal is to unlock high-value, socio-economic benefits for UK communities and align with the objectives of the DfT's Future of Flight programme.
Key Details
- Funding Available: Up to £600,000 in total, with individual grants ranging between £150,000 and £200,000 to support the development of regional demonstrators.
- Eligibility: Open to UK-registered organisations. Projects must include at least one local government authority and at least one operator, end-user, or customer.
Project Requirements
Projects must deliver one or more of the following:
- Pathway to Commercial Operations: Develop a detailed plan to transform demonstrations into real-world commercial operations at scale within a selected UK geographical area.
- Business Case Development: Create a business case for commercial drone, eVTOL, or zero-emission CTOL aircraft services that deliver high-value socio-economic benefits to a selected UK region.
- Proof of Concept: Establish a proof of concept or concept of operations for commercial drone, eVTOL, or zero-emission CTOL aircraft services at scale across a selected UK area.
- Living Lab or Test Bed Development: Plan for a living lab or test bed representative of the future flight operating ecosystem to accelerate regional-scale regulatory, community, and infrastructure readiness.
- Multimodal Transport Integration: Accelerate multimodal transport by integrating drone, eVTOL, or zero-emission CTOL aircraft into regional transport networks or hubs, including airports.
- Commercial Development Plan: Develop a commercial plan for drone, eVTOL, or zero-emission CTOL aircraft services in a selected UK area, based on identified commercially viable use cases that meet regional socio-economic needs and customer demand.
Application Deadline: 11:00am on Wednesday, 11th June 2025.
Strategic Implications for the UK's Aviation Sector
These funding competitions represent a concerted effort by the UK government to foster innovation, sustainability, and economic growth within the aviation sector. By supporting projects that bridge the gap between demonstration and commercialisation, the UK aims to:
- Enhance Regional Connectivity: Facilitate the integration of advanced air mobility solutions into regional transport networks, improving accessibility and reducing travel times.
- Promote Environmental Sustainability: Encourage the adoption of zero-emission aircraft technologies, contributing to the UK's net-zero carbon emissions targets.
- Stimulate Economic Growth: Create new market opportunities, jobs, and services, particularly in underserved or remote areas.
- Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Collaborate with regulatory bodies like the CAA to develop policies and standards that ensure the safe and efficient integration of new aviation technologies.
The “Strategic Growth" and "Regional Demonstrator" competitions offer a unique opportunity for innovators, local authorities, and industry stakeholders to contribute to the evolution of the UK's aviation landscape. By participating in these Future Flight initiatives, organisations can play a pivotal role in shaping a more connected, sustainable, and economically vibrant future.
VInnovate 2025 Funding Launched
The Vanguard Initiative (VI) has officially launched the VInnovate Call 2025, opening on 2nd May 2025 at 5.00pm CET. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and innovation stakeholders across 12 European regions to secure funding for interregional, industry-led innovation projects. Building upon the success of the 2024 pilot, VInnovate 2025 aims to accelerate the development of advanced technologies and strengthen European value chains through collaborative efforts.
What Is VInnovate?
VInnovate is the VI’s dedicated interregional funding mechanism designed to support post-prototype innovation projects (Technology Readiness Levels 6–8). It facilitates cross-border collaboration among SMEs, research institutions, and industry partners, focusing on projects that align with the VI’s strategic priorities:
- Advancing a smarter industry through digital integration.
- Promoting a more sustainable industry targeting climate neutrality.
- Fostering a more autonomous industry to reduce dependency on external regions for deep-tech innovations and strategic services.
Eligible projects must be thematically linked to at least one of the eight VI pilot areas:
- Bio-Economy
- Efficient and Sustainable Manufacturing
- High Performance Production through 3D-Printing
- Advanced Manufacturing for Energy Related Applications in Harsh Environments
- New Nano-Enabled Products
- Artificial Intelligence
- Smart Health/Personalised Medicine
- Hydrogen (H2)
Who Can Apply?
The VInnovate Call 2025 is open to consortia that meet the following criteria:
- Consortium Composition: At least two organisations from two different participating regions and countries (see below).
- SME Involvement: Each consortium must include at least one SME collaborating with another entity, such as another SME, a large company, a research/technology centre, or a university.
- Geographical Eligibility: All participating organizations must be located in one of the 12 VInnovate 2025 regions:
- Basque Country
- East Netherlands (Gelderland and Overijssel)
- Emilia-Romagna
- Flanders
- Galicia
- Lombardy
- Lower Austria
- Lower Saxony
- Norte
- North-East Romania
- Noord-Brabant
- Wales
Each applicant must comply with the requirements of their respective regional or national funding instruments, in addition to the overarching VInnovate criteria.
Funding Details
- Project Budget: Minimum total project costs of €100,000.
- Project Duration: Up to 36 months.
- Funding Type: Grants, with funding rates and eligible costs determined at the regional level.
- Eligible Activities: Projects should focus on activities at TRL 6-8, encompassing demonstration, piloting, and market replication phases.
Application Timeline
- Call Opening: 2nd May 2025 at 5.00pm (CET).
- Project Fit Form Submission Deadline: 15th September 2025 at 11.59pm (CET).
- Online Info Session: 6th May 2025 from 10.00am to 11.30am (CET).
- Project Generation Webinars:
- Webinar 1: 22nd May 2025 from 11.00am to 12.30pm (CET).
- Webinar 2: 17th June 2025 from 11.00am to 12.30pm (CET).
Interested stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the info session and webinars to gain insights into the application process and to network with potential partners.
How to Apply
- Project Fit Form: Submit a preliminary Project Fit Form by 15th September 2025, outlining the project's objectives, consortium composition, and alignment with VI pilot areas.
- Full Proposal: Upon positive assessment of the Project Fit Form, each consortium member must submit a detailed proposal to their respective regional funding agency, adhering to specific regional requirements.
- Evaluation and Selection: Projects will be evaluated based on their innovation potential, alignment with VI priorities, and the strength of interregional collaboration.
Strategic Importance
The VInnovate Call 2025 represents a significant step in fostering interregional innovation within Europe. By supporting projects that bridge regional strengths and expertise, VInnovate aims to:
- Accelerate the commercialisation of advanced technologies.
- Enhance the competitiveness of European industries.
- Promote sustainable and autonomous industrial development.
- Strengthen interregional cooperation and knowledge exchange.
This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the European Union to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth across its member states.
Additional Resources
For a FREE consultation to discuss your project in more detail, contact RedKnight today.
Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme Announced
Driving Europe's Innovation Ambition
The European Commission (EC) has officially launched the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme, a major milestone in the EU’s €95.5 billion flagship research and innovation initiative. Covering a critical year within the 2025–2027 strategic cycle, this Work Programme defines Europe's science and innovation priorities, setting a clear path towards tackling global challenges, accelerating the green and digital transitions, and securing Europe's position as a global leader in innovation.
This new Work Programme builds directly upon the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025–2027, which set three overarching strategic orientations: a green transition, a digital transition, and a more resilient, competitive, inclusive, and democratic Europe.
Strategic Priorities for 2025
The 2025 Work Programme supports three interconnected priorities:
1. Green Transition:
o Accelerating progress towards climate neutrality and sustainability.
o Protecting biodiversity and promoting circular economy practices.
2. Digital Transition:
o Strengthening Europe's digital sovereignty and advancing artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and next-generation computing.
3. Resilient and Inclusive Society:
o Building economic competitiveness, safeguarding democratic institutions, and promoting inclusivity and social resilience.
This programme focuses on open strategic autonomy and aims to strengthen Europe's technological and industrial leadership, while ensuring that the transitions are socially fair and inclusive.
Funding Overview
In 2025, over €7.2 billion will be invested across Horizon Europe's pillars and thematic clusters. The funding distribution reflects the EU’s commitment to scientific excellence, global competitiveness, and societal impact.
The programme is structured around Horizon Europe's three pillars:
• Pillar I: Excellent Science
o Supports frontier research via the European Research Council (ERC) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) for researcher mobility and training.
o Strengthens world-class research infrastructures critical for advanced science.
• Pillar II: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness
o Funds research under six thematic clusters:
- Health
- Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society
- Civil Security for Society
- Digital, Industry, and Space
- Climate, Energy, and Mobility
- Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment
- Encourages cross-sector collaboration to tackle complex societal challenges.
• Pillar III: Innovative Europe
o Advances innovation ecosystems, notably through the European Innovation Council (EIC), supporting breakthrough technologies and high-potential companies.
o Strengthens the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and regional innovation hubs.
Beyond the three pillars, the programme also includes actions to widen participation and strengthen the European Research Area (ERA), ensuring all member states benefit from scientific progress and innovation.
Green and Climate Focus
In line with the European Green Deal, the 2025 Work Programme reinforces Europe's leadership in environmental innovation:
• 35% of Horizon Europe's total budget is earmarked for climate-related activities.
• A new and notable commitment is that at least 10% of the Horizon Europe budget will now be dedicated specifically to biodiversity-related research.
Topics will address renewable energy systems, zero-emission mobility, climate adaptation, sustainable food systems, and restoration of ecosystems, helping Europe meet its 2030 climate and biodiversity targets.
European Innovation Council 2025 Actions
The European Innovation Council (EIC) plays a pivotal role in the 2025 Work Programme, with over €1.4 billion in funding to accelerate deep tech innovation.
The EIC's three major funding instruments are:
• EIC Pathfinder: Supports early-stage, high-risk research into revolutionary technologies.
• EIC Transition: Bridges the gap between research and market by funding proof-of-concept and prototype development.
• EIC Accelerator: Provides grants and blended finance (grants plus equity investment) to scale up start-ups and SMEs, especially in strategic areas such as health, digital, and clean tech.
The EIC continues to position Europe at the forefront of deep tech entrepreneurship, driving the next generation of global technology champions.
Widening Participation and Strengthening the ERA
The 2025 programme places strong emphasis on inclusivity and geographic balance across Europe. Actions under the Widening Participation and Strengthening the ERA section aim to:
• Boost the research and innovation capacity of less-performing countries (often referred to as “Widening countries”).
• Promote brain circulation and reduce the R&D divide across regions.
• Strengthen gender equality, open science practices, and citizen engagement in research activities.
By creating more equitable opportunities for participation, the EU ensures that excellence is fostered across all regions, not just in traditional innovation hubs.
International Collaboration
Recognising that global challenges require global solutions; the 2025 Work Programme maintains a strong emphasis on international cooperation.
Key initiatives include:
• Targeted collaboration with strategic partner countries and regions, notably Africa, the Western Balkans, and Latin America.
• Specific calls for cooperation in areas like global health, climate action, and resilient food systems.
The EU continues to position Horizon Europe as an open platform for global scientific collaboration, while safeguarding Europe's strategic interests and ethical standards.
Stakeholder Consultation and Co-Design Approach
In shaping the 2025 Work Programme, the EC engaged extensively with stakeholders through a consultation process between April and May 2024. Researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives contributed feedback, ensuring that the programme reflects the needs, expectations, and expertise of Europe's innovation community.
This co-design approach ensures greater relevance, transparency, and impact across funded projects.
For more information about the Horizon Europe work programmes, click here.
£5m Funding Available to Advance UK Semiconductor Capabilities
Innovate UK has launched the "Developing Semiconductor Hardware for Critical Technologies" competition, offering up to £5 million to support feasibility studies that explore innovative advancements in semiconductor hardware design and manufacturing. This initiative is a strategic move to enhance the UK's position in critical technology areas by fostering domestic capabilities in semiconductor development.
Strategic Importance
This funding opportunity aligns with the UK's broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in critical technologies, including semiconductors. By investing in feasibility studies that explore innovative hardware design and manufacturing processes, the UK aims to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor market, foster economic growth, and ensure technological sovereignty.
A recent report by Perspective Economics highlights the UK's semiconductor sector, which includes over 200 companies in research, design, and manufacturing that generated £9.6 billion in revenues in 2022. This represents approximately 2% of global semiconductor revenues.
Competition Overview
The primary objective of this competition is to encourage UK-based businesses to investigate the feasibility of novel ideas that could lead to significant advancements in semiconductor hardware. These studies should focus on innovations that have the potential to improve the design and fabrication processes within the UK, thereby contributing to the nation's competitiveness in critical technologies.
Scope and Focus Areas
The competition seeks projects that explore the feasibility of advancements in semiconductor hardware design or fabrication with the potential to impact UK businesses operating in critical technology areas. Specific themes of interest include:
- Novel semiconductor materials or designs
- Semiconductor fabrication techniques
- Manufacturing equipment innovation
- Multi-technology integration or interfacing
- Novel packaging materials and techniques
- Advanced packaging
- Thermal management
- Front-end of line processes
- Back-end of line processes
- In-line and end-of-line testing
- Development of Process Design Kits (PDKs)
Projects focusing on the design or fabrication of printed circuit boards (PCBs) or the assembly of end-use systems are not eligible for funding under this competition.
Key Details
Key details of the competition include:
- Funding Allocation: Up to £5 million in total funding is available.
- Project Duration: Projects must last up to six months.
- Project Start and End Dates: Projects should start by 1st September 2025 and end by 28th February 2026.
- Funding Range per Project: Eligible grant funding requests must be between £75,000 and £300,000.
The competition is designed to support feasibility studies that assess both the technical and commercial viability of proposed innovations. Applicants are expected to identify potential barriers to market adoption and explore opportunities for their technologies within the UK's semiconductor landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the competition, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Lead Organisation: Must be a UK-registered business of any size.
- SME Involvement: The project must involve at least one grant-claiming micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
- Project Work: All funded project work must be carried out in the UK.
- Exploitation of Results: The results of the project should be intended for exploitation within the UK.
Collaborative projects are encouraged and can include UK-registered businesses, academic institutions, charities, not-for-profit organisations, public sector organisations, and research and technology organisations (RTOs). Each partner organisation must be invited into the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) by the lead to collaborate on a project. Once partners have accepted the invitation, they will be asked to log in or create an account in IFS. They are responsible for entering their own project costs and completing their Project Impact questions in the application.
Funding Details
The competition offers grant funding to cover a portion of eligible project costs, with the percentage varying based on the size of the organisation:
- Micro or Small Organisations: Up to 70% of eligible project costs.
- Medium-sized Organisations: Up to 60% of eligible project costs.
- Large Organisations: Up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Research organisations undertaking non-economic activity as part of the project can share up to 30% of the total eligible project costs. Funding for these organisations is available at 100% of eligible costs for RTOs, charities, not-for-profit organisations, public sector organisations, or research organisations, and at 80% of full economic costs (FEC) for Je-S registered institutions such as academic institutions.
Application Process and Key Dates
Applicants must submit their proposals through the Innovation Funding Service portal. The application process involves providing detailed information about the project, including objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and budget. Key dates for the competition are:
- Competition Opens: Monday, 14th April 2025
- Online Briefing Event: Wednesday, 16th April 2025 at 2:00pm
- Competition Closes: Thursday, 29th May 2025 at 11:00am
- Applicants Notified: Monday, 30th June 2025
- Project Start Date: Monday, 1st September 2025
Applicants are encouraged to attend the online briefing event to gain insights into the competition's objectives and application process. Briefing slides will be available for download from the Supporting Information section after the event.
For a free consultation to discuss your project idea, contact RedKnight today.
Empowering UK Farmers: Funding for On-Farm Innovation
In April 2025, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) launched the ADOPT funding initiative under its Farming Innovation Programme. This scheme is designed to support farmer-led, on-farm trials that aim to generate, test, and demonstrate innovative solutions to agricultural challenges. The goal is to provide practical knowledge of new approaches, encouraging widespread adoption across the sector.
Two-Tiered Grant System
ADOPT offers two types of grants to cater to different applicant needs:
- Support Grant: This grant provides access to professional assistance from industry experts to help develop a Full ADOPT Grant application. It's particularly beneficial for those less familiar with Innovate UK's systems.
- Full ADOPT Grant: This grant supports collaborative, farmer-led on-farm trials or experiments.
Applicants can choose to apply directly for the Full ADOPT Grant or start with the Support Grant to refine their proposals.
Comprehensive Support for Applicants
To assist applicants, ADOPT has established a Project Facilitator Database through Innovate UK Business Connect. This resource connects applicants with industry experts who can guide them through the application process and help turn ideas into viable funding proposals. Interested individuals can register as facilitators or request a list of registered facilitators for their project ideas.
Additionally, the ADOPT Support Hub, managed by RSK ADAS, serves as the first point of contact for applicants. The Support Hub offers advice on project scope, suitability, and practicalities of on-farm trials. They also assist in forming connections with necessary expertise and partners, promote best practices for on-farm research and development, and facilitate knowledge exchange from funded projects to the broader farming community.
Driving Innovation in Agriculture
The ADOPT initiative represents a significant opportunity for UK farmers, growers, and foresters to lead innovation in agriculture. By supporting practical, on-farm research and fostering collaboration, ADOPT aims to develop solutions that address real-world challenges and promote sustainable farming practices.
For more information and to apply, contact RedKnight today.
Innovative Rail Solutions: FOAK 2025 Funding Opportunities
Innovate UK, in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), has launched the First of a Kind (FOAK) 2025 competition series under the Contracts for Innovation programme. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions within the UK rail industry by addressing critical challenges through targeted funding opportunities. The FOAK 2025 competitions focus on four key themes: Platform Train Interfaces, Personal Safety, Bridge Strikes, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Complex Processes. Organisations are invited to apply for a share of up to £4.7 million, inclusive of VAT, to develop prototypes, conduct field testing, and demonstrate their solutions.
Overview of the FOAK 2025 Competitions
The FOAK Programme is designed to foster collaboration between the government and the rail industry, facilitating the integration of high-maturity innovations into the railway system. By focusing on specific themes, the programme aims to address pressing industry challenges and support suppliers in achieving market readiness.
Each competition theme targets a distinct aspect of railway operations, encouraging applicants to propose solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems. Projects are expected to start by 1st September 2025 and conclude by 31st March 2026, with durations ranging from three to seven months. The maximum allowable project cost is £200,000, inclusive of VAT.
Competition Themes
1. Platform Train Interface (PTI)
The PTI theme seeks innovative solutions to enhance the interface between train station platforms and trains, focusing on accessibility, safety, and efficiency. Challenges at the PTI are significant, with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) reporting that incidents in this area account for nearly half of all passenger fatality risks on the mainline railway. Additionally, over one million mobility-related assists involving the PTI were recorded in 2023, highlighting the need for improved solutions.
Applicants are encouraged to develop solutions that are low-cost, minimally disruptive to install, interoperable between different stations and trains, and easy to operate by staff or customers. The goal is to improve the overall process and experience of accessible boarding while maintaining current dwell times.
2. Personal Safety
The Personal Safety theme addresses the need for innovative solutions to enhance the safety of passengers and staff within the railway environment. While specific details are not provided in the available sources, it is understood that this theme focuses on developing technologies and strategies to mitigate risks and improve the overall safety experience in stations, on trains, and in other railway facilities.
3. Bridge Strikes
Bridge strikes, incidents where vehicles collide with railway bridges, pose significant safety risks and operational disruptions. The Bridge Strikes theme seeks solutions to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact on the railway network. Innovations may include detection systems, warning mechanisms, or structural modifications designed to reduce the frequency and severity of bridge strikes.
4. AI for Complex Processes
The AI for Complex Processes theme focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize and manage intricate railway operations. This includes applications such as predictive maintenance, scheduling, resource allocation, and other areas where AI can enhance efficiency and decision-making. Solutions should demonstrate the potential to integrate into existing systems and deliver measurable improvements in performance.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the FOAK 2025 competitions, projects must:
- Start by 1st September 2025 and end by 31st March 2026.
- Last between three to seven months.
- Have total costs of no more than £200,000, inclusive of VAT.
Applicants can be organisations of any size and may work alone or with subcontracted skills and expertise from businesses, research organisations, or third-sector groups. Proposals must demonstrate a high maturity level, at Rail Industry Readiness Level (RIRL) 5 or above, indicating readiness for integration into an operational railway environment.
The application process involves detailing how the solution aligns with the chosen theme, the plan for prototype development and testing, and the anticipated benefits to railway stakeholders and customers. A key deliverable is a demonstration event and trial in a representative environment, allowing for effective evaluation and feedback from potential customers and industry representatives.
Funding and Support
The FOAK 2025 competitions offer a total funding budget of up to £4.7 million across the four themes. This funding is provided through procurement contracts, with projects expected to focus on research and development activities, including solution exploration, design, prototyping, and field-testing. Contracts for Innovation competitions involve procurement of R&D services at fair market value and are not subject to subsidy control criteria that typically apply to grant funding.
Innovate UK and the DfT encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and are committed to making the application process accessible to everyone. Support is available for applicants who have a disability or long-term condition and face barriers in applying.
Next Steps
For a free consultation to discuss your project idea, contact RedKnight today.
UK R&D Budgets for 2025–26 Announced
In April 2025, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) announced a substantial allocation of £13.9 billion for research and development (R&D) for the fiscal year 2025–2026. Of this, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is set to receive £8.811 billion, emphasising the UK government's commitment to bolstering the UK's position as a global leader in science and innovation. Within UKRI's allocation, Innovate UK, the agency responsible for driving business-led innovation, has been granted £948 million. While this significant funding boost is welcomed, its effective deployment is crucial, especially in light of recent evaluations of Innovate UK's support mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Substantial Investment Reflects Government Priorities
The government's decision to allocate £13.9 billion to DSIT's R&D budget reflects a strategic emphasis on innovation as a catalyst for economic growth and societal advancement. This investment is expected to stimulate private sector contributions, with each pound of public R&D funding anticipated to leverage an additional £2 of private investment over time. Such financial commitments are designed to support the government's five national missions and the eight growth sectors outlined in the modern Industrial Strategy. These include:
- advanced manufacturing
- clean energy industries
- creative industries
- defence
- digital and technologies
- financial services
- life sciences
- professional and business services
Innovate UK's allocation of £948 million is intended to support a variety of initiatives, including collaborative R&D projects, support for startups and SMEs, and the development of regional innovation clusters.
Addressing Challenges in SME Support
Despite the increased funding, Innovate UK faces challenges in effectively supporting SMEs. Earlier this year, the agency temporarily halted its Smart Grants programme to conduct a comprehensive review aimed at enhancing support for SMEs. The pause was prompted by concerns over oversubscription and low success rates, with some reports indicating success rates as low as 2%. This situation led to significant resource expenditure by applicants and highlighted the need for a more efficient and targeted funding approach.
Innovate UK's review aims to develop a more tailored support package that prioritises businesses with high growth potential and streamlines the application process. This initiative aligns with governmental objectives to focus public spending on companies poised for scaling and job creation.
Ensuring Effective Allocation and Implementation
While the increased funding for Innovate UK is a positive development, its impact will be determined by the effectiveness of its deployment. Innovate UK must address the issues identified in its recent review to ensure that the substantial financial resources translate into tangible benefits for SMEs and the broader economy. This includes refining grant programmes to improve accessibility and success rates, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring that support is directed toward businesses with the capacity to scale and innovate.
Moreover, Innovate UK should focus on fostering strong regional innovation ecosystems, supporting the development of clusters that can drive local economic growth and contribute to the national economy. By addressing these areas, Innovate UK can maximise the return on investment from the increased funding and fulfil its mandate to drive business-led innovation in the UK.
EC Invests €1.3B in Digital Europe Programme
On 28th March 2025, the European Commission announced a significant investment of €1.3 billion aimed at bolstering Europe's capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital skills. This funding is part of the Digital Europe Programme's work plan for 2025 to 2027, highlighting the EU's commitment to enhancing its technological sovereignty and accelerating digital transformation across member states.
Note to reader: The United Kingdom is not currently associated with the European Union’s Digital Europe Programme following Brexit. This means UK-based organisations are not eligible to apply for or receive funding through the programme. If you are based in the UK, this article is for information purposes only.
Strategic Focus Areas
The allocated funds will be directed toward several key areas:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deployment and Adoption: The initiative aims to facilitate the integration of AI technologies into both businesses and public administrations, promoting innovation and efficiency.
- Cloud and Data Infrastructure: Investments will support the development of robust cloud services and data infrastructures, ensuring secure and efficient data management and accessibility.
- Cyber Resilience: Enhancing cybersecurity measures is a priority to protect digital assets and infrastructures from evolving cyber threats.
- Digital Skills Development: The programme emphasises the importance of equipping citizens with the necessary digital skills to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
Implementation and Accessibility
The European Commission plans to roll out calls for proposals starting in April 2025, with additional opportunities expected throughout the year. These calls will be accessible to businesses, public administrations, and other entities from EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries, and nations associated with the Digital Europe Programme.
Interested parties can find detailed information on open calls and application procedures on the Digital Europe website.
Alignment with Broader EU Digital Strategies
This investment aligns with the EU's broader digital strategies, including the 2030 Digital Compass, which outlines Europe's digital ambitions for the next decade. By focusing on critical areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills, the EU aims to position itself as a leader in the global digital landscape.
Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's digital chief, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, "Securing European tech sovereignty starts with investing in advanced technologies and in making it possible for people to improve their digital competences."
Expected Impact
The €1.3 billion investment is anticipated to have a transformative impact on Europe's digital ecosystem by:
- Driving Innovation: Facilitating the development and adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies across various sectors.
- Enhancing Security: Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical infrastructures and data.
- Building a Skilled Workforce: Providing citizens with the digital skills necessary to participate effectively in the digital economy.
- Fostering Economic Growth: Enabling businesses, especially SMEs, to leverage digital technologies for increased competitiveness and market expansion.
This strategic investment reflects the EU's commitment to creating a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking digital environment that benefits all its citizens and positions Europe at the forefront of global technological advancements.
UK Space Agency Launches Innovation Funding Call
The UK Space Agency has unveiled the second call for the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), a strategic initiative designed to propel the nation's space industry to new heights. This article delves into the intricacies of NSIP Call 2, exploring its objectives, funding opportunities, thematic focus, eligibility criteria, application process, and the broader implications for the UK's space ambitions.
Introduction to the National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP)
Launched as a pivotal component of the UK's National Space Strategy, the NSIP aims to position the country as one of the world's most innovative and attractive space economies. By providing co-funded grants, the programme seeks to de-risk high-reward projects, facilitating the development of cutting-edge space technologies, applications, and services. The overarching goal is to catalyse investment, drive innovation, and capture significant market share in the rapidly evolving global space industry.
Objectives and Strategic Goals of NSIP Call 2
NSIP Call 2 has been developed to expand the UK's portfolio of space innovations, aligning with the National Space Strategy's vision. The primary objectives include:
- Catalysing Investment: The programme aims to secure contract revenue and capital into the UK space sector, targeting an impressive return of 5-8 times the value of NSIP investment by 2030.
- Driving Innovation: By supporting projects that achieve an average improvement in Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of two or more, NSIP seeks to elevate the technological maturity of supported initiatives over their lifespan.
- Capturing Market Share: The focus is on generating new products and services that can be sold into the fastest-growing and highest-potential space markets by 2030, thereby enhancing the UK's competitive edge globally.
Funding Opportunities and Project Strands
Under NSIP Call 2, the UK Space Agency has earmarked at least £17 million for co-funded grants, structured into two distinct strands:
- Kick Starter Projects: Aimed at early-stage innovations with TRL 1-4, these projects emphasise highly disruptive or novel proposals. Applicants can request grant funding between £150,000 and £1,000,000, with a maximum project duration of 16 months.
- Major Projects: Focused on the commercialization and growth of particularly lucrative ideas, these projects target higher TRL levels, aiming to bring mature technologies closer to market readiness.
The allocation of funds is designed to provide an end-to-end support package, assisting projects across the notorious "valley of death" in innovation, facilitating their journey from conceptualization to commercial success.
Thematic Focus: Space Data for Earth Applications
While NSIP Call 2 maintains an open approach to funding, encouraging proposals across a broad spectrum of space technologies, there is a strategic emphasis on the theme of "Space Data for Earth Applications." Up to 30% of the Call 2 budget is dedicated to projects that seek to deliver capabilities and applications utilising satellite data to benefit UK citizens and stimulate economic growth. This thematic focus underscores the UK's commitment to harnessing space technology to address terrestrial challenges, enhancing sectors such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
NSIP Call 2 is open to a diverse range of UK-based entities, including companies, universities, and research organizations. To manage the anticipated high level of interest and ensure a streamlined selection process, the UK Space Agency has implemented a two-stage application procedure:
- Expression of Interest: Prospective applicants are required to complete an Expression of Interest form by 23rd April 2025.
- Outline Proposal Submission: Following the Expression of Interest, applicants must submit their Outline Proposal Application forms by 11:59 pm on 8th May 2025 to [email protected].
Successful candidates from the Outline Proposal stage will be invited to submit Full Proposals, with approximately 50 applicants expected to proceed to this phase. Detailed guidance on the application process and eligibility requirements is available in the Announcement of Opportunity.
Assessment Criteria and Selection Process
Applications will undergo a rigorous assessment process, evaluating factors such as:
- Innovation and Technical Merit: The novelty and technical feasibility of the proposed project.
- Commercial Potential: The project's viability in terms of market demand and potential for revenue generation.
- Alignment with Strategic Goals: How well the project aligns with NSIP's objectives and the broader National Space Strategy.
- Project Management and Deliverability: The applicant's capability to manage and deliver the project within the stipulated timeframe and budget.
The selection process is designed to identify projects that not only exhibit technical excellence but also demonstrate a clear pathway to commercialisation and market impact.
Broader Implications for the UK's Space Sector
The launch of NSIP Call 2 signifies a robust commitment by the UK government to bolster its space sector, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and commercial success. By strategically investing in high-potential projects and emphasising themes like Space Data for Earth Applications, the UK positions itself to address both national and global challenges through space technology.
Moreover, the programme's focus on catalysing investment and capturing market share reflects an understanding of the economic potential inherent in the space industry. By supporting projects that can attract significant private investment and generate new products and services, NSIP contributes to the creation of high-skilled jobs, stimulates economic growth, and enhances the UK's standing in the international space community.