EIC Summit 2025 - Save the Date

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is set to host its fourth annual summit on the 2nd and 3rd April 2025, at the historic Tour & Taxis venue in Brussels. This flagship event serves as a central hub for innovators, researchers, policymakers, and investors across Europe, fostering collaboration and showcasing groundbreaking advancements in technology and business.

 

Event Overview

The EIC Summit 2025 is structured over two days, each tailored to distinct audiences and objectives:

  • Day 1: 2nd April 2025
    • Focus: Exclusively dedicated to EIC beneficiaries.
    • Activities: A series of workshops, pitching sessions, and networking opportunities designed to support and accelerate the growth of EIC-funded projects and companies.
  • Day 2: 3rd April 2025
    • Focus: Open to the public.
    • Activities: Engaging discussions and fireside chats covering a broad spectrum of topics relevant to innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology policy.

 

Throughout both days, attendees will have ample opportunities to network and explore an exhibition featuring a diverse array of EIC-supported projects, providing insights into the latest innovations poised to impact various industries.

 

Significance of the EIC Summit

The EIC Summit has established itself as a pivotal event in Europe's innovation landscape. It brings together high-growth startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), researchers, corporate leaders, and investors, creating a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and partnership formation. The summit also serves as a platform for the EIC to announce new initiatives, funding opportunities, and policy directions that shape the future of European innovation.

 

What to Expect

Participants can look forward to:

  • Workshops: Interactive sessions offering practical guidance on topics such as intellectual property rights, investment strategies, and scaling businesses.
  • Pitching Sessions: Opportunities for startups and innovators to present their ideas to potential investors and partners, facilitating access to funding and collaborative ventures.
  • Panel Discussions and Fireside Chats: Conversations with industry experts, policymakers, and successful entrepreneurs discussing current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the innovation ecosystem.
  • Exhibition: A showcase of cutting-edge projects funded by the EIC, highlighting technological advancements across various sectors.

 

Networking Opportunities

The summit's design emphasises networking, providing structured and informal settings for attendees to connect. This environment encourages the formation of strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and collaborative research endeavours, all crucial for driving innovation forward.

 Venue: Tour & Taxis

Located in Brussels, Tour & Taxis is a historic site that has been repurposed into a modern event space, blending architectural heritage with contemporary facilities. Its central location and unique ambiance make it an ideal venue for hosting an event of this magnitude.

Stay Informed

As the event approaches, additional details, including registration information, agendas, and speaker announcements, will be made available. Interested parties are encouraged to stay updated by following the EIC on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

 

 

by Dayne Hodgson

Proposal preparation grants for 2024 and 2025 calls

Innovate UK and the British Academy have funding schemes open for Horizon Europe Pump Priming Grants, to enable SMEs, research organisations and universities in the UK build partnerships and develop proposals. If you are planning a submission to a 2024 or 2025 Horizon Europe call, one of these schemes may support the development of your proposal.

Innovate UK Horizon Europe Pump Priming
UK SMEs can apply for a grant of up to £5000 (Ex-VAT) to help them in their preparation for submitting a Horizon Europe proposal for a collaborative opportunity. This could be used to fund attendance at networking events, to contribute to the cost of joining associations and other activities that are solely directed at future Horizon Europe participation. Note that if you have already received an Innovate UK Pump Priming grant you will not be able to apply for another in this round. The closing date for applications is 17th January 2025 and the final date on which claims can be made for payment is 17th February 2025.

British Academy Horizon Europe Pump Priming
Principal Investigators (PIs) at universities and research institutions can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to help them in their preparations for submitting a Horizon Europe proposal for Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness. All of the details such as eligibility, closing dates, etc., are published on the British Academy website and any questions about this scheme should be addressed directly to them.

by Dayne Hodgson

EU and Japan Enter Negotiations for Horizon Europe Association

On 29th November 2024, the European Union (EU) and Japan commenced formal negotiations to integrate Japan into Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme. This move represents a significant step forward in deepening international scientific collaboration and highlights the global importance of cooperative research in tackling shared challenges. By exploring Japan's association with Horizon Europe, both parties aim to create a mutually beneficial framework for advancing scientific excellence and innovation.

What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the EU's most ambitious research and innovation programme to date, with a budget exceeding €95.5 billion for 2021–2027. It succeeds Horizon 2020 and is structured around three key pillars:

  1. Excellent Science: Supporting top-tier researchers and frontier science through grants and scholarships.
  2. Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness: Tackling pressing global issues such as climate change, health, and digital transformation.
  3. Innovative Europe: Boosting Europe's innovation potential by bridging the gap between research and market-ready products or solutions.

As the cornerstone of the EU's research agenda, Horizon Europe facilitates cross-border collaboration, driving breakthroughs that are often unattainable through isolated efforts.

The Context of EU-Japan Cooperation
Japan and the EU share a longstanding history of collaboration in science and technology. This relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared vision of addressing global challenges through innovative solutions. Over the years, their partnership has flourished in areas such as climate action, health sciences, renewable energy, and digital technologies.

Under Horizon 2020, the EU's previous research framework, Japanese organisations actively participated in 176 projects, contributing their expertise to collaborative research efforts. This history sets a strong precedent for Japan's potential association with Horizon Europe.

Why is This Association Significant?
The negotiations are focused on Japan's association with Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which is dedicated to addressing global challenges. By joining this pillar, Japanese researchers and institutions will have the opportunity to:

  • Participate in multinational research consortia.
  • Lead and coordinate joint projects with EU partners.
  • Access funding and resources from the Horizon Europe programme.

This agreement would enable Japan to contribute directly to large-scale, multidisciplinary research initiatives designed to tackle issues like climate change, health crises, digital innovation, and sustainable development.

A Strategic Milestone for Japan and the EU
The association negotiations align with broader strategic objectives for both Japan and the EU.

  • For the EU: This move reinforces its commitment to fostering global partnerships in research and innovation, ensuring that Europe remains a hub for scientific excellence. By collaborating with leading global innovators like Japan, the EU strengthens its position in tackling complex global challenges.
  • For Japan: Associating with Horizon Europe provides Japanese researchers with access to one of the world's most prestigious and well-funded research platforms. It also allows Japan to integrate more deeply into global research networks, expanding its influence and leveraging international expertise.

Shared Goals: Addressing the Green and Digital Transitions
Iliana Ivanova, the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:

"The opening of the negotiations on the association of Japan to Horizon Europe marks a step change in our cooperation. For both EU and Japan, research and innovation are key to ensuring competitiveness and achieving the green and digital transitions. Together, we will be able to reach them faster and find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges."

The green transition involves achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century, a goal shared by both Japan and the EU. Collaborative projects in renewable energy, carbon capture, sustainable agriculture, and electric mobility are expected to play a pivotal role in reaching these objectives.

Similarly, the digital transition focuses on advancing artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. By pooling resources and expertise, Japan and the EU aim to lead in setting global standards for emerging technologies.

What Does Japan Stand to Gain?
Japan's association with Horizon Europe presents numerous advantages:

  1. Increased Collaboration: Japanese institutions will have greater opportunities to collaborate with European universities, research centres, and industries.
  2. Access to Funding: Japanese researchers can directly benefit from Horizon Europe's substantial financial resources, enabling them to pursue ambitious projects.
  3. Global Influence: Participating in EU-led initiatives enhances Japan’s visibility and influence in the global scientific community.
  4. Innovation Boost: Exposure to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research can catalyse innovation within Japan's domestic research ecosystem.

Challenges and Considerations
While the potential benefits are substantial, several challenges must be addressed during the negotiation process:

  • Funding Mechanisms: Determining how Japanese contributions will align with Horizon Europe's funding model.
  • Regulatory Alignment: Ensuring that Japan’s research policies and intellectual property laws are compatible with EU standards.
  • Administrative Barriers: Streamlining the integration process to facilitate seamless collaboration between Japanese and European researchers.

These challenges highlight the need for careful planning and mutual understanding to make the association successful.

Building a Global Research Ecosystem
The EU's Horizon Europe programme has already established partnerships with other non-EU countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea. These associations demonstrate the EU’s commitment to fostering a global research ecosystem that transcends geographical boundaries. Japan's inclusion in this network would not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to a more interconnected and collaborative global scientific community.

by Dayne Hodgson

Introducing The National Wealth Fund

The UK government has launched an ambitious initiative, the National Wealth Fund (NWF), aimed at revitalising its economic landscape. Building on the foundation of the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), the NWF is designed to address pressing challenges in clean energy, industrial innovation, and regional economic disparities. With a total capitalisation of £27.8 billion and an expected mobilisation of over £70 billion in private investment, the fund stands as a cornerstone of the UK's economic growth and sustainability agenda.

A Catalyst for Change

The NWF operates as a government-backed impact investor, focusing on areas where private sector financing alone may fall short. By providing catalytic capital and leveraging a diverse range of financial instruments, including equity investments, guarantees, and blended finance solutions, the fund aims to unlock investments that align with the UK’s industrial strategy and climate goals.

Key sectors of focus include:

  • Green Hydrogen: Accelerating the transition to low-carbon energy sources.
  • Carbon Capture: Enabling significant reductions in industrial emissions.
  • Gigafactories: Supporting the production of batteries essential for electric vehicles.
  • Ports and Green Steel: Strengthening infrastructure and advancing sustainable industrial practices.

Strategic Goals

The NWF’s strategy is anchored on three primary principles:

  1. Stability: Creating a predictable environment that encourages long-term investments.
  2. Investment: Mobilising resources to fill critical gaps in infrastructure and technology development.
  3. Reform: Streamlining public financial institutions to better align with the needs of investors and project developers.

Through these principles, the fund aims to spur economic growth and ensure regional equity by engaging local governments, devolved administrations, and mayors in identifying and supporting impactful projects.

Governance and Operational Independence

The NWF operates at arm's length from the government, ensuring credibility and market confidence. HM Treasury oversees the fund, while day-to-day operations and investment decisions are managed independently. This structure is intended to strike a balance between strategic alignment with government priorities and operational flexibility.

Expanding Tools and Capabilities

The fund’s financial toolkit includes:

  • Debt Instruments: Offering tailored financing solutions to address liquidity issues.
  • Equity Investments: Supporting early-stage technologies and scaling up innovative projects.
  • Performance Guarantees: Mitigating risks in nascent sectors to encourage investor participation.
  • Blended Finance Solutions: Combining public and private resources to achieve broader policy objectives.

These instruments are complemented by a proactive outreach strategy to identify and structure innovative transactions in collaboration with industry leaders, local authorities, and other stakeholders.

Driving Regional Growth

A significant aspect of the NWF’s mission is its regional focus. By partnering with local leaders and aligning with regional growth plans, the fund aims to unlock the economic potential of cities and regions across the UK. This approach is intended to create jobs, foster innovation, and ensure that the benefits of investment are distributed equitably.

Impact and Accountability

To measure its success, the NWF will adopt a robust set of metrics that assess its economic impact, the additionality of its investments, and outcomes across targeted sectors. These metrics will guide the fund in achieving its mission while maintaining transparency and accountability to the public.

Future Outlook

The establishment of the NWF marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s economic strategy. By mobilising private investment and addressing critical infrastructure and industrial needs, the NWF aims to position the UK as a leader in innovation and sustainability. With its ambitious goals and comprehensive approach, the fund is set to play a transformative role in shaping the country’s economic future.

This initiative reflects a forward-looking vision for the UK, blending public and private efforts to build a more resilient, innovative, and equitable economy. As the NWF begins its operations, its impact will likely serve as a benchmark for how governments worldwide can partner with the private sector to achieve shared economic and environmental goals.

For more information, please visit https://www.ukib.org.uk/

by Dayne Hodgson

Taking a look at the Advanced Research and Invention Agency

The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) represents a bold initiative by the UK government to revolutionise the nation's research and development (R&D) landscape. Established to fund high-risk, high-reward scientific endeavours, ARIA aims to propel the UK to the forefront of global innovation by empowering scientists and engineers to pursue groundbreaking projects that have the potential to yield significant societal and economic benefits.

Genesis and Mission
ARIA was formally established in January 2023 with an initial budget of £800 million, following the enactment of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency Act 2022. Inspired by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), ARIA operates with a mandate to support ambitious research projects that traditional funding mechanisms might overlook due to their inherent risks. The agency's mission is to unlock scientific and technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone, recognising that many of society's most important advances have stemmed from those with the foresight to pursue new capabilities that most believed to be unattainable.

Operational Framework
ARIA distinguishes itself through a flexible and dynamic operational model. Unlike conventional funding bodies, it operates independently of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is designed to function with minimal bureaucracy. This autonomy enables ARIA to swiftly allocate resources to emerging research areas and adopt innovative funding approaches, such as inducement prizes and rapid seed funding. The agency's structure is intentionally lean, allowing for agile decision-making and the ability to pursue unconventional research avenues.

Leadership and Governance
ARIA is led by CEO Ilan Gur, a physicist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in translating scientific research into market-ready technologies. Prior to joining ARIA, Gur founded Activate.org, a US-based organisation that empowers scientists and engineers to bring groundbreaking research to market. He also served as a program director at ARPA-E, the US Department of Energy's advanced research agency. Under his leadership, ARIA aims to challenge the traditionally cautious British science funding system by supporting pioneering projects considered too improbable by conventional standards.

The agency's governance structure includes a board of directors comprising distinguished figures from the scientific and business communities. Notably, Matt Clifford serves as the chair of ARIA. Clifford has been instrumental in bridging the gap between government and private companies in the development of cutting-edge technologies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Funding Strategy
ARIA's funding strategy is centred on empowering scientists and engineers with the resources and freedom to pursue breakthroughs at the edge of the possible. The agency funds projects across the full spectrum of R&D disciplines, approaches, and institutions, seeking to unlock scientific and technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone.

The agency employs a variety of funding mechanisms to support its mission:

  • Programmes: ARIA's programmes are directed by Programme Directors, scientific and technical leaders with deep expertise and a focused, creative vision for how technology can enable a better future. These programmes are designed to tackle specific scientific or technological challenges and are the primary means through which ARIA directs its funding.
  • Opportunity Seeds: With smaller budgets and less structure than programmes, opportunity seeds support individual research teams to uncover new pathways that could inspire future programmes or might justify additional support as a standalone project. This approach allows ARIA to explore a diverse array of innovative ideas and identify promising research directions.

Current Initiatives

ARIA has launched several initiatives that exemplify its commitment to high-risk, high-reward research:

  • Programmable Plants: This initiative explores the potential of engineering plant genomes to address challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and environmental degradation. By developing programmable plants, ARIA aims to secure a sustainable and thriving biosphere for future generations.
  • Safeguarded AI: Recognising the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, this programme focuses on developing technical solutions to ensure that powerful AI systems interact as intended. The goal is to usher in a new era for AI safety, allowing society to unlock the full economic and social benefits of advanced AI systems while minimising risks.
  • Robot Dexterity: This programme aims to transform robotic capabilities and unlock a step change in human productivity. By funding cutting-edge research across robotic hardware and advanced simulation, ARIA seeks to demonstrate a paradigm shift in robotic abilities, creating vastly more capable and useful machines.

Collaborative Approach
ARIA emphasises collaboration with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and other research organizations. The agency engages openly and seeks feedback to refine its programmes and funding strategies. This inclusive approach ensures that ARIA remains responsive to emerging scientific opportunities and societal needs.

Challenges and Outlook
While ARIA's mission is ambitious, it faces challenges inherent in funding high-risk research, including the potential for failure in many of its funded projects. However, the agency embraces this risk, understanding that the pursuit of audacious goals can lead to transformative successes that outweigh the setbacks. By fostering a culture that tolerates failure as a pathway to innovation, ARIA aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of what is possible.

For more information about ARIA, please visit their website here.

by Dayne Hodgson

UK-India Collaboration Funding for Net Zero Technologies

In an ambitious move to tackle the global challenge of achieving net-zero emissions, Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to launch a competition that promises to catalyse groundbreaking advancements in Net Zero Technologies. With a substantial investment of up to £2 million, this initiative invites collaborative research and development (CR&D) projects from the brightest minds and most innovative businesses across the UK and India.

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
The competition highlights the power of international collaboration in addressing climate challenges. With a focus on business-led, bilateral projects, this initiative aims to support the development of transformative technologies that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. By uniting UK and Indian expertise, the program seeks to accelerate progress toward a sustainable future while fostering economic growth in both nations.

Key Objectives of the Competition
The competition is structured to deliver impactful outcomes, emphasising the following objectives:

  1. Disruptive Innovation: Projects must demonstrate groundbreaking ideas that lead to the development of new products, processes, or services.
  2. Economic Impact: Initiatives should outline clear pathways for commercialisation and economic benefits in both countries.
  3. Collaborative Value: The partnership must showcase the advantages of bilateral collaboration, ensuring balanced contributions from both nations.
  4. Net Zero Focus: Proposals should directly contribute to achieving net-zero emissions, addressing key areas such as renewable energy, advanced materials, decarbonising manufacturing, and more.

How the Competition Works
The process ensures fairness, transparency, and genuine collaboration:

  • Dual Applications: UK participants must apply via the Innovation Funding Service (IFS), while Indian partners submit a parallel application to the Technology Development Board (TDB).
  • Independent Selection: Both Innovate UK and TDB must independently select the project for it to receive funding, ensuring mutual alignment on priorities and standards.
  • Collaborative Teams: Each consortium must include at least one registered business from both the UK and India, with no single partner undertaking more than 70% of the project work.

Funding and Eligibility
Grant Details:

  • UK Grant Range: £100,000 to £300,000
  • Project Duration: 6–18 months, starting by 1st September 2025 and ending by 31st March 2027.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • UK lead applicants must be registered businesses and involve at least one SME.
  • Indian partners must apply separately through TDB and are not eligible for funding from Innovate UK.
  • Proposals must focus on activities undertaken primarily in the UK and India, ensuring a balanced and equitable partnership.

Thematic Areas for Innovation
To maximise impact, the competition invites proposals in specific priority areas that align with the overarching goal of achieving net zero. These include but are not limited to:

  • Advanced Materials: Developing materials that enhance energy efficiency or reduce carbon footprints.
  • Decarbonising Manufacturing: Innovating processes to minimise emissions in industrial production.
  • Renewable Energy Sources: Advancing technologies for clean, sustainable energy generation.
  • Energy Storage and Distribution: Improving systems for storing and transmitting renewable energy.
  • Decarbonising Mobility: Innovating transportation solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This thematic focus ensures that the funded projects contribute meaningfully to addressing critical challenges in achieving net zero.

Why This Competition Matters

  1. Global Impact Through Collaboration: The programme highlights the importance of leveraging diverse expertise to solve global challenges. By combining the UK’s advanced research capabilities with India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, this initiative exemplifies the potential of cross-border partnerships to drive meaningful change.
  2. Economic Growth and Market Opportunities: Beyond environmental benefits, the competition offers participants a unique opportunity to tap into new markets. With clear pathways to commercialisation, the projects are expected to generate substantial economic returns and foster sustainable growth in both countries.
  3. Advancing Technological Frontiers: By supporting high-risk, high-reward projects, the program encourages participants to push the boundaries of existing technologies, ensuring that the UK and India remain at the forefront of the global innovation landscape.

Application Process

  1. Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a compelling project idea that aligns with the competition’s themes and objectives. Ensure that it includes a clear business plan, financial viability, and potential for significant economic and environmental impact.
  2. Build Your Consortium: Collaborate with at least one registered business in India that is independent of the UK partners.
  3. Submit Applications:
    o UK participants: Apply via the IFS portal.
    o Indian participants: Submit a parallel application to the TDB program.
  4. Demonstrate Collaboration: Showcase a balanced technological contribution from all partners and ensure the project is truly bilateral.
  5. Meet the Deadlines: Ensure your application is submitted before 11 am (UK time) on Wednesday, 12th February 2025.

Key Considerations for Success
To stand out in this competitive process, applicants should focus on:

  • Clear Commercial Intent: Highlight how the project results will be commercialised and generate value in domestic and global markets.
  • Robust Collaboration: Demonstrate genuine cooperation between UK and Indian partners, with balanced contributions and shared benefits.
  • Sustainability Impact: Provide evidence of how the project will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero.
  • Financial Soundness: Ensure the project offers good value for money with well-defined financial plans and timelines.

A Portfolio Approach
Innovate UK and TDB aim to fund a diverse range of projects to ensure a balanced portfolio across different technologies and sectors. This approach maximises the competition’s impact, fostering innovation in multiple areas critical to achieving net zero.

For more information about this opportunity, contact RedKnight.

by Dayne Hodgson

Autumn Budget: Record £20.4bn R&D investment

In the 2024 Autumn Budget, the UK government announced a landmark investment of £20.4 billion into research and development (R&D) to boost economic growth, tackle national challenges, and establish the UK as a global leader in innovation. This substantial funding demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical areas like healthcare, sustainable energy, digital infrastructure, and technological advancements, aiming to achieve the UK’s “five national missions.” Here’s an overview of the key allocations and expected impacts.

Horizon Europe and Core R&D Budget

A significant portion of the budget secures the UK's full participation in Horizon Europe, the EU's primary research and innovation program. By committing to this association, UK scientists and innovators gain access to an €95 billion fund for collaborative projects, positioning the UK at the heart of global scientific advancements. Additionally, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) received a budget increase to £13.9 billion, while core research funding rose to a record £6.1 billion. These increases aim to bolster the UK’s research base and foster innovation across various sectors.

Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund

The government unveiled a £520 million Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) to enhance the UK's capacity for manufacturing critical medical supplies. Starting with an initial £70 million in grants, the LSIMF is expected to unlock up to £1.8 billion in private investment, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and supporting the healthcare sector’s resilience. This fund aims to strengthen the NHS by ensuring quicker access to innovative treatments, contributing to the UK’s preparedness for future health emergencies.

R&D Missions Programme

A new R&D Missions Programme will initially receive £25 million to address specific national challenges, such as healthcare advancements and clean energy transition. This initiative will foster partnerships with private and third-sector organisations to convert scientific discoveries into practical solutions, enhancing the quality of life and driving forward the UK’s sustainability goals.

Proof of Concept Fund for University Spinouts

To foster innovation from UK universities, the government is investing £40 million over five years in a Proof of Concept Fund. This fund will help researchers transform breakthrough ideas into viable businesses, creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth. Success stories like Pragmatic Semiconductor and Oxford Nanopore underscore the potential of university spinouts to drive growth, with both companies raising significant investment and creating high-skilled employment in critical sectors.

Innovation Accelerators and Made Smarter Innovation Programs

The budget extends funding for Innovation Accelerators, supporting regional innovation in areas like Glasgow, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands. These accelerators focus on developing high-potential local industries, with projects like Chemify and the Biochar Cleantech Accelerator attracting millions in private investment. Additionally, the Made Smarter Innovation program will receive £37 million to encourage manufacturers to integrate digital technologies, enhancing productivity and sustainability across UK industries.

Project Gigabit and Shared Rural Network

To improve connectivity, the government will invest £500 million in Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network. This funding supports the expansion of high-speed digital infrastructure to underserved regions, with the goal of achieving full gigabit coverage by 2030. Reliable internet access is crucial for businesses and communities across the UK, ensuring equal access to digital resources and fostering regional economic development.

Shared Services Strategy

An £80 million allocation will modernise shared services across nine government departments, streamlining operations for greater efficiency. By updating these systems, the government aims to cut costs and improve services, providing better value for taxpayers.

Barriers to Transformative Technology Adoption

To identify obstacles in adopting transformative technologies, a review led by Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Dame Angela McLean and National Technology Adviser Dr. Dave Smith will assess high-growth sectors. This review seeks to enhance productivity and drive innovation in alignment with the government’s Industrial Strategy, ensuring the UK remains competitive in emerging tech fields.

Reaction from the Scientific Community

This record R&D investment has been met with widespread approval from the scientific community. Royal Society President Sir Adrian Smith commended the government’s recognition of research as a “crucial national asset,” emphasising that protecting the science budget is essential for long-term economic growth. He noted the importance of supporting net-zero initiatives and promoting innovation in sectors like AI to maximise the economic benefits of scientific advancements.

by Dayne Hodgson

Developing AI Competencies in Key Sectors

Innovate UK has announced a £2 million competition under its BridgeAI programme aimed at driving innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) across essential sectors in the UK. This initiative seeks to enhance AI competency in the fields of construction, transport and logistics, creative industries, agriculture, and food processing. The competition focuses on fostering responsible and ethical AI-based learning solutions that support upskilling, reskilling, and competency development within these sectors. Here, we explore the programme’s objectives, requirements, and what applicants need to keep in mind to qualify for funding. The competition opens on 11th November with the deadline set at 11am on 29th January 2025.

Objectives of the BridgeAI Programme

The primary goal of the BridgeAI competition is to accelerate the development of AI competencies tailored to specific industry needs. The competition is designed to encourage responsible and ethical approaches to AI education, ensuring that new technologies are not only effective but also aligned with industry standards and values. Proposals submitted to the competition should address how they will meet the following key objectives:

  1. Accelerating AI Competency Development: Projects should demonstrate how their proposed solutions will enhance AI skills relevant to the sector in a responsible and ethical manner.
  2. Supporting High-Quality Education: By leveraging evidence-based teaching and learning methodologies, applicants are expected to promote effective learning practices that are aligned with industry standards.
  3. Aligning with Competency Frameworks: The BridgeAI programme highlights the importance of aligning learning content with both sector-specific standards and the AI Skills for Business Competency Framework to ensure the potential for future accreditation.
  4. Upskilling and Reskilling the Workforce: Each solution must address the need for upskilling and reskilling existing professionals within the sectors, allowing them to stay current with the latest AI developments.
  5. Piloting with End Users: Applicants must have a clear plan for piloting their solutions with real-world end users, providing a tangible demonstration of the project’s applicability and effectiveness.

Funding and Project Scope

To be eligible, projects must meet several essential requirements outlined by Innovate UK:

  1. Eligible Costs and Compliance: The competition offers grants ranging between £50,000 and £100,000 and only eligible project costs should be included in the application.
  2. Project Duration and Timeline: Projects should have a duration of 6 to 10 months, starting no later than 1st June 2025, and concluding by 31st March 2026.
  3. Location of Work: All project activities must be carried out in the UK, with the aim to exploit results within the country as well.
  4. Alignment with Learning Personas: The project must focus on at least one learner type outlined in the AI Skills for Business Competency Framework, including AI Workers, AI Professionals, or AI Leaders, ensuring that solutions are adapted to different levels of experience within the AI landscape.
  5. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The programme places significant emphasis on promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applicants to design personalised learning journeys that are accessible and fair.

Organisational Requirements

Applicants must be UK-registered businesses of any size, and to be eligible for funding, projects must involve at least one UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME). Innovate UK also welcomes collaborations with a variety of UK-registered entities, including academic institutions, charities, non-profits, public sector organisations, and research and technology organizations (RTOs).

In collaborative projects, the lead organization must invite other partners to join the project through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) platform, where partners will enter their project costs and respond to questions on project impact. Both the lead organisation and any collaborators seeking funding must complete these steps to qualify for the competition.

Portfolio Approach

Innovate UK’s portfolio approach seeks to fund a diverse range of projects, ensuring that the benefits of AI competency development are distributed across various regions and industries. This approach enables Innovate UK to maximise the impact of the BridgeAI programme by investing in innovative solutions across different sectors, meeting the unique needs of each one. Projects that align with the specific themes of AI competency development in key sectors, support diverse learning personas, and uphold inclusive values are particularly valued under this approach.

Specific Themes for Applicants

To align with Innovate UK’s vision for the BridgeAI programme, applicants should ensure their projects address specific themes relevant to the competition:

  1. Industry-Specific AI Competency Development: Each project must aim to develop AI competencies in at least one of the programme’s target sectors, such as construction, transport and logistics, creative industries, agriculture, or food processing.
  2. Learner Personas: By focusing on different learner personas within the AI Skills for Business Competency Framework, including AI Workers, Professionals, and Leaders, projects should offer personalised learning pathways that cater to diverse levels of expertise and roles in the industry.
  3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: The competition strongly encourages projects that consider equality, diversity, and inclusion in their learning approaches, thereby ensuring AI competency development is accessible to a broad range of individuals.

Application Tips

Given the competitive nature of this funding opportunity, applicants are encouraged to focus on building a strong case for how their project will accelerate sector-relevant AI competency development while meeting all the programme’s ethical and responsible AI standards. Highlighting clear, evidence-based educational methods, demonstrating an understanding of industry standards, and showing an actionable plan for piloting with end users will increase the chances of selection.

You can read the full competition details here.

by Dayne Hodgson

The EIC 2025 Work Programme

The European Innovation Council (EIC) unveiled its 2025 Work Programme, highlighting ambitious initiatives designed to solidify Europe’s position as a leader in breakthrough technologies and strengthen its strategic autonomy. By funding high-risk, high-reward innovations, the EIC aims to transform scientific discoveries into market-ready technologies, fostering an environment where innovative companies can thrive and compete globally. This article delves into the essential changes, major highlights, and anticipated impact of the EIC 2025 Work Programme.

1. The New STEP Scale-Up Scheme: Bridging the Funding Gap
One of the centrepieces of the EIC 2025 Work Programme is the newly introduced STEP Scale-Up Scheme. This €300 million initiative is a direct response to the well-documented challenges European deep-tech startups face in securing sufficient growth funding. While Europe has excelled in generating innovative ideas and producing early-stage start-ups, a lack of substantial follow-on funding has limited many companies’ abilities to scale globally.

The STEP Scale-Up Scheme is specifically tailored to address this gap, targeting high-impact companies developing critical technologies. These include digital innovations, clean tech, and biotech solutions - sectors deemed essential for Europe’s competitive and strategic positioning. The scheme will prioritise funding for projects that have a clear path to scale but need significant investment to reach that next level. By doing so, the EIC aims to prevent promising companies from seeking funding outside the EU, which often results in them relocating.

2. Enhanced Focus on Strategic EIC Challenges
The EIC has refined and expanded its EIC Challenges, allocating over €370 million to address pressing global and European priorities. EIC Challenges act as targeted calls for proposals within specific high-potential fields, encouraging innovators to tackle some of the world’s most complex problems. For 2025, the EIC has introduced new and strategically relevant challenges, each designed to push the boundaries of current knowledge and technological capability.

Key areas of focus include:

• Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI): As generative AI continues to disrupt industries, the EIC Challenge in this domain is set to accelerate the development of Europe-centred AI innovations. The goal is to build competitive AI applications that address Europe’s ethical, social, and economic needs, ultimately ensuring Europe’s sovereignty over AI technologies.
• Climate-Resilient Crops: Responding to the urgent need for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change, this challenge calls for the development of crops that can withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns. Innovations in this space are expected to bolster food security and reduce dependency on external agricultural imports.
• Autonomous Robots for Sustainable Industry: Targeting robotics and automation in industrial settings, this challenge aims to make European industries more sustainable and efficient. By promoting innovations in autonomous robotic systems, the EIC hopes to minimise environmental impact, reduce waste, and create safer working environments.
• Agri-Tech Solutions: Recognising agriculture as a backbone of European sustainability, the EIC is also investing in disruptive agri-tech solutions. These solutions will focus on precision farming, smart sensors, and AI-enabled decision-making tools to support sustainable practices and enhance productivity across European agriculture.

These challenges reflect the EIC’s commitment to addressing both immediate and long-term strategic needs, ensuring that Europe stays at the forefront of technology-driven societal change.

EIC Transition Programme: Bridging Research and Market
The 2025 Work Programme allocates €98 million to the EIC Transition Open, which has no predefined thematic priorities and is open to proposals in any field of science, technology, or application.

The EIC Transition programme is designed to mature novel technologies beyond the experimental proof of principle, facilitating their progression from laboratory settings to real-world applications. It supports single entities or small consortia, including SMEs, start-ups, research organisations, and universities, aiming to validate technologies and develop business plans for specific applications at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3 to 6.

Key features of the EIC Transition include:
• Funding Support: Grants of up to €2.5 million are available to validate and demonstrate technology in application-relevant environments and develop market readiness.
• Booster Grants: Additional booster grants, not exceeding €50,000, are offered for ongoing projects to explore potential commercialization pathways or for portfolio activities.
• Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Beneficiaries gain access to a range of tailor-made BAS, including coaching, mentoring, expertise, training, and connections to global partners and innovation ecosystems.

EIC Accelerator Programme: Scaling Innovations
The EIC Accelerator programme offers €634 million for start-ups and SMEs to develop and scale up innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones. It supports companies aiming to scale up and seeking substantial funding, particularly when the associated risks are too high for private investors alone.

Key components of the EIC Accelerator include:
• Grant Funding: Lump sum contributions below €2.5 million are provided for innovation activities (TRL 6-8), to be completed within 24 months.
• Investment Component: To bridge the gap for high-risk innovations, the programme offers equity investments ranging from €0.5 million to €10 million, with higher amounts available under the STEP Scale-Up scheme. (Not available to UK entities).
• Blended Finance: A combination of grant and equity or quasi-equity (such as convertible loans) is available to support both innovation activities and market deployment.
• Business Acceleration Services (BAS): Similar to the Transition programme, Accelerator beneficiaries have access to BAS, facilitating connections with global partners, coaches, mentors, and innovation ecosystems.

3. Expanded Business Acceleration Services (BAS) for Wider Inclusivity
Recognising that financial support alone isn’t sufficient, the EIC has broadened its Business Acceleration Services (BAS), giving startups and SMEs access to invaluable non-financial resources. This includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and tailored coaching designed to support companies at all stages of growth. The BAS programme will be further expanded in 2025, with an emphasis on reaching underrepresented regions and sectors across the EU.
For the first time, the BAS will specifically target innovators from underrepresented regions, addressing imbalances within the EU’s innovation ecosystem. By providing these innovators with the same level of support available to their counterparts in more established innovation hubs, the EIC aims to create a more balanced and inclusive landscape for European innovation.

Additionally, Seals of Excellence will be awarded to highly promising projects that do not receive EIC funding, guiding them towards alternative European and national funding opportunities. This measure serves to reduce the potential for lost innovation due to limited resources, maximising the impact of the EIC's efforts.

4. The Role of Strategic Autonomy and Sustainability
The EIC 2025 Work Programme places a strong emphasis on strategic autonomy, particularly within sectors deemed critical to Europe’s long-term competitiveness. This includes ensuring that Europe has control over key technologies that could influence its economic independence, such as clean energy solutions, digital innovations, and health-related technologies. By investing in these areas, the EIC aims to reduce Europe’s reliance on non-EU countries for strategic resources and technologies, thereby safeguarding its economic and technological resilience.

Sustainability is also a cornerstone of the 2025 Work Programme. The EIC has aligned its funding strategies with the EU’s broader Green Deal objectives, investing in innovations that promote environmental protection, sustainable resource use, and emissions reduction. In doing so, the EIC supports Europe’s transition to a green economy, ensuring that new technologies contribute positively to the global fight against climate change.

5. Commitment to Research and Innovation Across Key Technology Sectors
The EIC 2025 Work Programme continues its tradition of fostering deep-tech innovation by supporting groundbreaking research and innovation. Deep-tech areas such as quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology remain focal points of the EIC’s funding strategy. These fields have the potential to redefine existing markets and create entirely new ones, driving economic growth and technological leadership within the EU.

In biotechnology, for instance, the EIC has dedicated funding to innovations in gene editing, personalised medicine, and biomanufacturing, areas that could revolutionise healthcare and therapeutics. Similarly, quantum computing is recognised for its potential to transform industries by providing unprecedented computational power, which could support advancements in fields ranging from climate modelling to cryptography.

6. Boosting Public-Private Partnerships and Industry Engagement
A significant aspect of the EIC’s 2025 strategy is encouraging stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors. The Work Programme outlines initiatives to foster collaboration between EIC-funded projects and major industry players, creating pathways for knowledge transfer, co-investment, and broader market access. Through these partnerships, the EIC hopes to fast-track the development and commercialisation of technologies, enabling smaller innovators to access the resources and expertise they need to scale.

In 2025, the EIC will place added emphasis on co-investment schemes, wherein public funding is matched by private sector investment. These co-investment opportunities are intended to mobilise additional financial resources, ensuring that European deep-tech startups have access to the capital required to scale.

You can download the full EIC 2025 Work Programme here.

by Dayne Hodgson

Mindset extended reality (XR): Digital therapeutics for mental health

Innovate UK has announced a funding opportunity aimed at developing digital therapeutics using extended reality (XR) for mental health. The competition, opening on 28th October 2024, will invest up to £3.7 million in R&D projects that offer innovative mental healthcare solutions. Eligible projects should have costs between £200,000 and £300,000 and last 12 to 18 months. XR solutions should focus on addressing moderate to severe mental health conditions and aim for large-scale adoption within the UK's healthcare system. The deadline for applications is 15th January 2025.

Addressing Mental Health with Extended Reality

Mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges. The rise in anxiety, depression, and other conditions has spurred the demand for effective mental health treatments that can be scaled and made widely accessible. This funding opportunity encourages the development of XR solutions aimed at treating moderate to severe mental health conditions. XR technologies include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), all of which have been used in therapeutic settings for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

By combining these immersive technologies with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, XR solutions can offer patients an engaging and personalised experience. Unlike traditional talk therapies, XR can simulate environments that help patients confront and manage their symptoms in real-time. For instance, VR has been used to treat phobias by gradually exposing individuals to their fears in a controlled and safe environment. Similarly, AR can help users visualise coping strategies or engage with therapeutic content in their daily surroundings.

The Scope of the Competition

The competition invites proposals that will create new, innovative XR-based digital therapeutics. Projects must focus on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other moderate to severe conditions. These solutions should not just focus on short-term relief but also demonstrate a potential for long-term, sustainable impact on the UK’s healthcare system.

Innovate UK emphasises the need for solutions that can be integrated into existing healthcare frameworks, allowing for broad scalability and accessibility. This means that proposed XR therapeutics should be designed with the intention of large-scale adoption within the UK’s mental health services. Innovators are encouraged to work closely with healthcare professionals, patients, and mental health experts to ensure that their solutions are evidence-based, patient-centred, and aligned with the needs of the healthcare system.

Eligibility Criteria and Project Requirements

The competition is open to UK-based organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large companies, universities, and research and technology organisations. Collaborations between industry and academia are encouraged to foster multidisciplinary approaches, which are often necessary when developing complex digital health solutions. However, lead applicants must demonstrate their ability to lead the development and commercialisation of the proposed XR therapeutic.

Projects should have total costs ranging between £200,000 and £300,000 and are expected to last between 12 and 18 months. This funding can be used to cover a variety of activities, including research and development, clinical trials, user testing, and the creation of XR content. Applicants must show how their solution will meet a significant clinical need, how it will be tested for efficacy and safety, and how it will be positioned for real-world implementation.

Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Developing effective digital therapeutics requires a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in healthcare, psychology, technology, and design. The intersection of these fields is crucial for creating XR experiences that are not only technologically sound but also therapeutically effective. For example, clinicians can ensure that the therapeutic content is grounded in psychological science, while XR developers and designers can create immersive and engaging user experiences.

Innovate UK recognises the importance of collaboration between these diverse fields and encourages applicants to assemble teams that reflect this. This includes partnerships between the healthcare sector and technology companies, as well as collaboration with patients and mental health advocates to ensure that the solutions are patient centric. Co-creation with end-users can also help ensure that the final product is user-friendly and meets the needs of those who will benefit from the technology.

Potential Impact on the Healthcare System

The UK’s healthcare system, like many others around the world, is under increasing strain due to rising demand for mental health services. Traditional therapeutic models, which often rely on face-to-face sessions with trained professionals, are resource-intensive and difficult to scale. Digital therapeutics, particularly those that leverage XR, have the potential to fill this gap by offering scalable, accessible, and effective treatments that complement existing care pathways.

XR-based therapeutics can be delivered remotely, allowing patients to engage in therapy from their homes, which can be especially beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas. Moreover, the immersive nature of XR can enhance engagement and adherence to therapy, which are often major barriers to treatment success in mental health. By offering engaging and interactive experiences, XR therapeutics may be more likely to encourage patients to complete their treatment plans and achieve better outcomes.

In addition to benefiting patients, XR solutions have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare providers. By automating some aspects of treatment or offering supplementary therapeutic content, these solutions could free up clinicians’ time to focus on more complex cases. Furthermore, the data collected through digital therapeutics can provide valuable insights into patient progress, helping clinicians tailor treatments to individual needs.

For more information on how to apply, visit the competition page.

by Dayne Hodgson