Innovate UK’s innovation stimulus programme may have been adapted to assist the government’s business support network, but its day-to-day business of supporting innovation in UK industry goes on. Simon Edmonds reports.
I know many manufacturers across the country have been meeting the Coronavirus challenge in a number of ways, and it is clear that research and innovation has a key role to play in tackling this crisis.
At Innovate UK, we are 100% focused on supporting innovative businesses and manufacturers through these very challenging times.
New funding opportunities
Our competitions to support innovative businesses are continuing to open as usual so please keep a close eye on our website for information on the latest opportunities.
Also, our partners at the Knowledge Transfer Network have set up a very useful information hub for businesses (see below for link.)
This article first appeared in the May issue of The Manufacturer magazine. Click here to subscribe
To highlight a current funding opportunity as an example, the latest round of our Smart grants is currently open – this is an opportunity to apply for a share of up to £25m to deliver ambitious or disruptive R&D innovations that can make a significant impact on the UK economy.
There will also be specific funding opportunities such as rapid response competitions focused on helping to tackle the impact of the pandemic. Please see our website for latest information.
Support for existing Innovate UK award recipients
If you are an Innovate UK award recipient, please contact your Innovate UK monitoring officer as usual, who will keep us informed and allow us to assess if we can offer support too.
The earlier you speak with your monitoring officer, the easier it will be to understand your issues and find potential solutions.
Specialist advisers from the Innovate UK Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) team, located regionally, are also there to help and support you.
Contact your adviser if you need assistance or go to the EEN website to be connected with an adviser.
We will continue to monitor the ongoing impact of coronavirus on the companies we support to ensure we can provide the best support whilst managing public money appropriately.
Links to more information
For Innovate UK Smart Grants: apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/515/overview
Knowledge Transfer Network COVID-19 hub: ktn-uk.co.uk/interests/covid-19
Innovate UK Enterprise Europe Network: www.enterprise-europe.co.uk
For the full range of business support measures for UK businesses and employees: www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Innovate UK
Simon Edmonds is director – manufacturing, materials & future of mobility, Innovate UK.
All feedback gratefully received – I blog here, and can also be found on Twitter: @SJSEdmonds
For more information on any of Innovate UK’s funding opportunities, please contact
the customer support service:
0300 321 4357 | [email protected] | www.innovateuk.gov.uk
*Header image courtesy of Depositphotos
