GrantGrant
Frontier AI — SME Champions, Phase 1
AI feasibility funding for UK-registered SMEs; Indian founders need an eligible UK business.
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Funding amount
Eligible project costs £150,000–£250,000; grant percentage depends on applicable funding rules
Scheme
Innovate UK Frontier AI — SME Champions
Open for
Requires a UK-registered SME. India-registered entities cannot apply directly through this route.
Deadline
11 November 2026 at 11:00 UK time
About the Program
Phase 1 funds feasibility studies for frontier AI and machine-learning technologies with defensible scale-up potential.
Eligibility requirements
- AI must be the core technical contribution. Projects must start at TRL 1–3, satisfy prescribed themes and comply with UK delivery and exploitation requirements. An SME may submit only one application.
Offerings / Benefits
- A share of the £3.1 million competition budget. Successful Phase 1 applicants may apply to Phase 2.
Sectors supported
Frontier AI and machine learning within the competition’s specified themes.AI & Artificial Intelligence
Selection process
- Competitive technical assessment and portfolio selection.
Related funding opportunities
SIDBI Innovation Challenge Fund 2026
SIDBI challenge offering up to INR 2 crore for scalable AI prototypes supporting MSMEs throughout their lifecycle.
SIDBI Innovation Challenge Fund 2026 – AI-enabled Prototype Solutions for MSME Lifecycle Support
Up to ₹2 crore for scalable AI-enabled solutions that improve services and outcomes across the MSME lifecycle.
GENESIS Pilot 2.0
MeitY pilot program offering up to INR 40 lakh to deploy market-ready technology against eligible purchase or work orders.