Frontier AI: SME Champions, phase 1
Machine Learning grant from Innovate UK
Apply by Wednesday
About
Funding supports UK SME feasibility studies of novel artificial intelligence and machine-learning technology. Projects must demonstrate technical novelty, a proof-of-concept component or prototype, validation against defined metrics, and a credible route to defensibility and future scale. A technical white paper is required. Work must align with the competition’s designated themes and priorities. Projects last one to three months, start by 1 April 2027, and finish by 30 June 2027. Total eligible project costs are £150,000–250,000, with the grant funding percentage determined by business size. Applications close on 11 November 2026 at 11:00 UK time.
Eligibility
Career stage: Not stated
Institution applies
Covers: Projects have £150,000–250,000 total eligible costs and last one to three months. The grant covers up to 70% for micro/small firms or 60% for medium firms; these project costs are not an individual grant amount. Projects start by 1 April 2027 and finish by 30 June 2027.
Host location: United Kingdom
Applicant must be a UK-registered SME; project work must take place in the UK and results must be exploited from or in the UK.
Reviewed Oct 5, 2026. Check the funder’s full conditions before applying.
Single UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprise; one application per SME. Subcontractors are not permitted. The core innovation must be novel AI or ML technology, starting at TRL 1–3, with technical validation and a credible route to defensibility and scale.
Topics
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Source: ukri.org