Frontier AI: SME Champions, phase 1

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.

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.