Grants

See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £20 million to develop innovative solutions for automation and robotics in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. This funding is from the Farming Futures R&D fund.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to collaborations only.
To lead a collaborative project your organisation must be a UK registered business.

The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland is offering up to €9 million in total grant funding to international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) delivering humanitarian mine action. The 2026 call will fund three-year projects addressing the impacts of mines and explosive ordnance in Ukraine, Syria and Palestine, alongside global humanitarian mine-action initiatives.
Here’s what you can expect:
Up to €9 million available across the full 2027–2029 programme
Up to €3 million per year available overall
Up to €6 million allocated for humanitarian mine action in Ukraine
Up to €1.5 million allocated for Syria
Up to €1 million allocated for Palestine
Up to €500,000 allocated for global humanitarian mine-action support
Funding can support mine clearance, explosive ordnance risk education, victim assistance and wider humanitarian mine-action activities
Projects will run for three years, from January 2027 to December 2029
Applicants must provide at least a 10% financial contribution towards eligible project costs.
Who can apply?
International non-governmental organisations operating across multiple countries or regions
Organisations registered as a legal nonprofit for at least three years
INGOs with annual expenditure of at least €3 million in each of the previous two financial years
Organisations with verifiable operations in at least three countries
Applicants with experience managing at least €2 million in development cooperation grants during 2023–2025
Organisations with experience and expertise in humanitarian mine action
The grant is awarded to a single INGO, although implementing partners can be involved
Finnish NGOs cannot apply under this particular call.
Application deadline: 4 September 2026 at 4:00pm Finnish time (UTC+3).

The Brainforest Venture Program is a 10-week accelerator for early-stage ventures developing scalable solutions for nature, biodiversity and forests. The programme combines one-to-one coaching, expert mentoring, investment preparation and access to Brainforest’s international investor network.
Here’s what you can expect:
$125,000 investment for the selected winning team
The funding is provided in exchange for equity, so this is not a grant
10 weeks of intensive accelerator support
Dedicated one-to-one coaching for each team
Access to biodiversity, fundraising, investment and other specialist mentors
Support developing a go-to-market plan, fundraising strategy, financial and impact model
Opportunity to pitch to investors and the wider Brainforest network
Brainforest says it has facilitated introductions to 100+ investors worldwide.
Who can apply?
Pre-seed and seed-stage startups
Ventures with a first product, prototype or pilot already in the market
Businesses can be headquartered anywhere in the world
Solutions should be deployable in biodiversity hotspots or regions where ecosystems are under threat
Businesses where biodiversity impact is central to the business model
Relevant areas include regenerative food systems, nature intelligence and measurement, natural capital, AI/data for nature and value-chain transformation.
Application deadline: 17 August 2026. The programme is scheduled to run from 5 October to 11 December 2026.

The EIC Accelerator 2026 supports ambitious startups and SMEs developing breakthrough innovations with the potential to create or disrupt markets. It combines substantial non-repayable grant funding with optional investment for businesses that need additional capital to commercialise and scale their technology.
Here’s what you can expect:
Grant funding of up to €2.5 million
Grant support for innovation activities at TRL 6–8
Projects can receive grant support for activities lasting up to 24 months
Optional €1 million–€10 million equity investment through the EIC Fund
Access to coaching, mentoring, investors, corporate partners and other Business Acceleration Services
€414 million is allocated to EIC Accelerator Open in 2026, which accepts innovations from any technology field
A further €220 million is allocated to specific EIC Accelerator Challenges.
Who can apply?
Individual startups and SMEs from EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries
Businesses developing highly innovative products, services or business models with significant market potential
Companies with the ambition and ability to scale internationally
Individuals intending to establish an eligible SME can also apply
Small mid-cap companies can apply for investment-only support
UK applicants can apply for the grant-only scheme, but not the EIC investment component.
Application deadline: Short proposals can be submitted at any time. The remaining full-proposal batching dates for 2026 are 2 September and 4 November 2026, both at 5pm Brussels time.

The Next Wave Fund, backed by Kickstarter and Google, supports early-stage technology startups and small businesses developing innovative ideas across hardware, software, digital gaming and connected technology. Selected businesses receive financial backing alongside crowdfunding guidance, training and promotional support.
Here’s what you can expect:
A $10,000 pledge towards your Kickstarter campaign
Hands-on guidance from Kickstarter’s Design & Technology team
Support with campaign strategy, positioning, launch and community engagement
Free Google training, including access to programmes such as the Google AI Professional Certificate
Marketing exposure through Kickstarter’s newsletters and social channels
Access to Kickstarter’s entrepreneur community
Opportunity to apply to Google Accelerator programmes as the business grows.
Who can apply?
Entrepreneurs or small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees
Projects focused on technology or digital gaming
Technology projects incorporating hardware, software, new materials or innovative functionality
At least one team member must be a U.S. citizen, resident or O-1 visa holder
The project representative must be 18 or over
The organisation and project bank account must be located in the United States
Projects must comply with Kickstarter’s rules.
Application deadline: Rolling applications — Kickstarter says applicants are planned to be selected on a rolling basis over the next year. Selected recipients must launch their Kickstarter campaign within six months

The DIV Fund provides grant funding for innovative solutions with the potential to cost-effectively improve the lives of millions of people. It supports organisations working in low- and middle-income countries through three funding stages, from testing promising innovations to scaling solutions with proven impact.
Here’s what you can expect:
Stage 1 – Pilot: Up to $200,000 to test promising innovations in real-world settings
Stage 2 – Test & Position for Scale: Up to $500,000, with exceptional projects considered for up to $750,000
Stage 3 – Scale: Up to $1.5 million for validated innovations ready for significant expansion
Funding for technologies, social and behavioural innovations, new business models and other development solutions
Support for projects demonstrating impact, cost-effectiveness and potential for large-scale adoption
Grants can last for up to five years, although most are expected to be shorter.
Who can apply?
Nonprofits and social enterprises
Startups and private-sector companies
Universities and research institutions
Technical assistance providers and consortia
Both locally led and international organisations can apply
Projects must address challenges affecting people in low-, lower-middle- or upper-middle-income countries
Innovations must already be post-prototype and tested in a real-world setting
Projects should demonstrate the potential to eventually impact more than one million people.
Application deadline: Rolling applications throughout the year — there is currently no fixed closing date.

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant, delivered in partnership with LISC, provides $10,000 grants to help small businesses grow. Unlike a single funding round, businesses can apply once and remain in consideration for grants awarded throughout the rest of 2026.
Here’s what you can expect:
$10,000 grant for each successful business
10 small businesses selected every month from June through December 2026
One application keeps your business eligible for subsequent monthly selections
Free access to Digital Ready courses, events and business resources
Priority may be given to businesses in under-resourced and low-to-moderate income communities
The programme has awarded $15 million in small-business grants since 2021.
Who can apply?
Owners of for-profit small businesses
Businesses based in the United States, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands
Business owners aged 18 or over
Applicants must have a free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready account
Applicants must complete any combination of two eligible courses or events during 2026 before the grant application unlocks
Owners with multiple businesses can apply for one business only
Nonprofits are not eligible.
Application deadline: You can apply throughout 2026, but the two qualifying courses/events must be completed by 7 December 2026. Applications are reviewed monthly through December, with final decisions due by 12 January 2027

The Innovative Postsecondary Models (IPM) Fund, managed by Panorama Global, supports organisations rethinking how postsecondary education is designed, delivered, financed and assessed. The fund is particularly interested in models that remove barriers to education, improve student outcomes and create stronger connections between learning and employment in the United States.
Here’s what you can expect:
Grants of $750,000–$1 million
7–10 grants expected to be awarded
Approximately 18 months of funding, from February 2027 to July 2028
Support for innovative postsecondary education models with potential to scale
Funding can support new approaches to teaching, assessment and student support
Projects can focus on improving affordability and financial sustainability
Support for stronger links between education, skills and employment
Particular interest in removing barriers for underserved learners.
Who can apply?
Nonprofits, for-profit organisations, fiscally sponsored organisations and eligible international organisations
Applicants do not have to be incorporated in the U.S., but their proposed model must serve learners in the United States
Models offering bachelor's or associate degrees or other valuable credentials linked to economic mobility
Proposed models must have ongoing learner enrolment by 31 March 2027
Accreditation is not required
Models primarily offering post-baccalaureate certificates are not eligible.
Application deadline: 14 September 2026 at 11:59pm ET.

The Imagine Award, delivered by the Promise Fund, provides $20,000 in flexible grant funding alongside a six-month learning programme for community-rooted leaders with transformative ideas for early childhood. It is aimed at people at the idea or early testing stage who are ready to pilot a solution that could improve outcomes for young children, caregivers and families in the United States.
Here’s what you can expect:
$20,000 in flexible grant funding
Up to 10 recipients will be selected in 2026
A six-month cohort-based learning programme
One-to-one support from the Promise team
Mentoring and tailored workshops
An in-person gathering focused on learning, peer connections and pilot design
Ongoing alumni support and access to a wider community
Support to design, launch and test a pilot with real users.
Who can apply?
Leaders based in the United States
Applicants primarily serving children and families within the U.S.
Community-rooted leaders with firsthand knowledge or a strong connection to the communities they serve
Applicants with a clearly defined, early-stage idea ready for initial testing or piloting
Ideas focused on improving outcomes for children aged 0–5, caregivers and families
Applicants prepared to launch a pilot within six months
The proposed idea should generally have raised or earned less than $100,000 so far.
Application deadline: 28 August 2026. Applications are currently open, with awards expected to be announced around 6 November 2026.

The Literary Arts Fund Innovation Project Grants provide funding for independent U.S. literary arts nonprofits developing new, one-time and forward-thinking projects. The programme is particularly interested in projects tackling structural or infrastructural challenges that could strengthen how literary organisations support creative writers. A total of $1 million is available in 2026.
Here’s what you can expect:
Grants of $25,000–$100,000
$1 million available across the 2026 programme
Funding for new and innovative projects addressing challenges within the literary arts sector
Collaborative projects are eligible, with one organisation acting as the lead applicant
No match funding is required
Projects must take place during 2027.
Who can apply?
Independent U.S.-based nonprofit or fiscally sponsored literary arts organisations, presses and publications
Organisations primarily supporting adult creative writers in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction or hybrid work
Organisations established for at least three years
Organisations with an annual operating budget of at least $50,000
Applicants whose current executive director has served for at least 12 consecutive months.
Application deadline: 17 August 2026 at 11:59pm EDT.

See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £3 million for project development studies to support the development of ultra long duration battery energy storage demonstrators in the UK.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to single applicants and collaborations.
To lead a collaborative project or to work alone, your organisation must be a UK registered business.
The consortium may also contain one or more of the following organisation types:
other UK registered business academic institution research and technology organisation charity not for profit public sector organisation

See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £14.3 million to accelerate the adoption of quantum enabled position, navigation, and timing (PNT) and sensing technologies by addressing specific technical and commercial barriers.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to collaborations only.
To lead a collaborative project your organisation must be a UK registered business.
The consortium must contain at least one UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprise claiming grant funding on this application.

Apply for funding for research projects under the NERC-Defra co-funded Resilient Economy and Security through Ecosystem Transitions (RESET) programme
Projects will improve understanding on how, when and why ecosystems transition, reorganise or collapse, to sustain functions, strengthen economic prosperity, societal resilience and national security.
You must be based at an eligible UK research organisation to apply.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2.5 million. We will fund 80% of the FEC.
Funding is available for up to three years. You must start by 14 February 2027.

Apply for funding to translate bioscience research into innovations such as products, services or solutions that generate real-world economic, societal, and environmental impact.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for BBSRC funding.
Projects must build on prior Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) support and include a clear pathway to real-world use through commercialisation, adoption, or progression towards deployment.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £800,000. BBSRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Projects can last up to 24 months.
This opportunity was formerly known as Follow-on Fund.

Apply for funding to support your transition to research independence. You will present and develop a strong and clear independent research vision and lead a project team to successfully deliver this.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding. It must be your first application to EPSRC as a project lead.
We will award 80% of the full economic cost (FEC) of the project. Projects should apply for the duration and funding required to fully meet their research goals.

Apply for funding for academically led experimental medicine studies in humans that deepen mechanistic understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying the effects of gambling activities, products and interventions in gambling disorder.
Your project must:
focus on a mechanistic hypothesis include an experimental intervention or challenge in humans be independent from gambling industry associations To lead an application, you must be based at a research organisation eligible for Medical Research Council (MRC) funding. If you are taking the next step towards becoming an independent researcher, you may be eligible to apply as a ‘new investigator’.
This is a pre-announcement and the information may change. The funding opportunity will open on 8 October 2026 when more information will be available on this page.

The Consumer Led Flexibility for the Clean Energy Superpower Mission competition, delivered by Innovate UK through the UKRI R&D Missions Accelerator Programme, supports innovative projects that help consumers play a bigger role in the UK's energy system. Funding is available for pre-commercialisation projects developing AI, digital technologies and end-to-end solutions that increase energy flexibility, reduce costs and accelerate the transition to a smarter, cleaner electricity network.
Here's what you can expect:
A share of up to £25 million in grant funding
Support for AI, digital and smart energy technologies that enable consumer-led flexibility
Funding for pre-commercialisation projects that help balance electricity demand and supply
Solutions aimed at reducing energy bills while supporting the UK's Clean Energy Superpower Mission
Projects that contribute towards delivering 2GW of additional demand-side flexibility by 2030.
Who can apply?
UK-registered organisations
Single applicants and collaborative projects are eligible, depending on the project scope
Projects must develop innovative solutions that improve consumer participation in flexible energy use and support the UK's net zero ambitions.
Application deadline: 26 August 2026 (11:00am UK time).

The UK–Switzerland CR&D Round 3 competition, delivered by Innovate UK in partnership with Innosuisse, supports collaborative research and development projects between UK and Swiss organisations. The programme funds innovative technologies with strong commercial potential while strengthening research and business partnerships between the two countries.
Here's what you can expect:
A share of £3 million in grant funding for UK participants
Funding for collaborative R&D projects between UK and Swiss organisations
Support for innovative technologies with strong commercial potential
Opportunity to develop new products, services and processes for international markets
Projects focused on accelerating innovation and economic growth in both countries.
Who can apply?
UK-registered businesses leading the UK side of a collaborative project
🇨🇭 Projects must include at least one Swiss implementation partner applying through the equivalent Innosuisse funding programme
Collaborators may include businesses, research organisations, universities and other eligible partners
Projects must address one of the competition's specified technology areas and demonstrate commercial potential.
Application deadline: 3 September 2026 (11:00am UK time).

The Scaling Performance of Quantum Computing Hardware: CR&D competition, delivered by Innovate UK, supports collaborative research and development projects advancing the next generation of quantum computing hardware and associated software. The programme aims to accelerate technologies capable of delivering scalable, programmable and fault-tolerant quantum computers while strengthening the UK's quantum technology sector.
Here's what you can expect:
A share of £33 million in grant funding
Individual grant requests between £1 million and £3.5 million
Funding for device-level quantum computing hardware and enabling software
Support for collaborative industrial research projects across the UK quantum ecosystem
Projects lasting 24–36 months focused on improving scalability, programmability and runtime performance.
Who can apply?
UK-registered businesses of any size or Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs) leading a collaborative project
Projects must involve eligible UK collaborators, which may include businesses, universities and research organisations
Proposals must focus on advancing universal fault-tolerant quantum computing technologies and their commercialisation within the UK.
Application deadline: 18 September 2026 (11:00am UK time).

The DRIVE35 Innovation Fund: Collaborate 3, delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade and the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), supports late-stage collaborative R&D projects that accelerate the UK's transition to zero emission vehicles. The programme funds technologies that strengthen the UK automotive supply chain, improve manufacturing competitiveness and enable future vehicle innovation.
Here's what you can expect:
A share of up to £20 million in grant funding
Support for late-stage collaborative R&D projects targeting commercialisation
Funding for technologies that strengthen UK automotive manufacturing and supply chains
Projects focused on zero emission vehicles, manufacturing competitiveness and future vehicle technologies such as software-defined vehicles and E/E architectures
Projects can run for 18–36 months.
Who can apply?
UK-registered businesses of any size leading a collaborative project
Projects must be collaborative and include multiple eligible UK organisations
Projects should support the UK's transition to zero emission vehicles and strengthen domestic manufacturing capability
🇬🇧 Project outcomes should be commercialised within the UK.
Application deadline: 16 September 2026 (11:00am UK time).

The Farming Innovation Programme: Feasibility Round 5, delivered by Innovate UK and funded by Defra, is now open. The competition supports UK businesses developing innovative solutions to improve productivity, sustainability and resilience across farming, horticulture and forestry in England. Funding is available for early-stage feasibility studies that test whether new ideas have the potential to solve real-world agricultural challenges.
Here's what you can expect:
A share of £15 million in grant funding
Funding for feasibility studies investigating innovative agricultural technologies and practices
Projects can last up to two years
Support for ideas that improve productivity, reduce emissions and strengthen resilience across the farming sector
Collaborative and single-business applications are both eligible.
Who can apply?
UK-registered businesses of any size
Businesses may apply individually or as part of a collaboration
Projects must benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England
Proposals should address challenges in agriculture, horticulture or forestry through innovative products, services or processes.
Application deadline: 9 September 2026 (11:00am UK time)

The Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure 2 (ZEVI 2): Electric Power competition is now open. Delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport, the programme supports collaborative projects developing, deploying and operating innovative battery-electric vessels, charging infrastructure and shore power systems to accelerate the UK's transition to net zero maritime transport.
Here's what you can expect:
Grants of up to £30 million per project
A share of £150 million available across the ZEVI 2 programme
Funding for 100% battery-electric vessels, charging infrastructure, shore power systems and related port energy infrastructure
Support for projects that develop, build and demonstrate clean maritime technologies in real-world environments
Funding available through to 31 December 2029, followed by a three-year operational demonstration without further grant funding.
Who can apply?
UK-registered businesses leading a collaborative project
Projects must involve collaboration with other UK-registered organisations
Projects with eligible costs between £6 million and £60 million
🇬🇧 Organisations intending to commercialise project outcomes from within the UK.
Application deadline: 16 September 2026 (11:00am UK time).

The British Council's Going Global Partnerships TNE Grants India 2026–27 support collaborations between UK and Indian higher education institutions to develop and launch innovative transnational education (TNE) courses and degree programmes. The programme aims to strengthen academia-industry partnerships while creating new opportunities for students in emerging technology and innovation sectors.
Here's what you can expect:
Grants of up to £30,000 per project
Funding to develop new UK–India transnational education (TNE) courses and degree programmes
Support for partnerships between universities and industry
Focus on emerging disciplines including AI, robotics, genomics, semiconductors, sustainable energy, quantum computing and circular economy innovation
Designed to strengthen long-term UK–India higher education collaboration.
Who can apply?
A consortium including:
One UK higher education institution with degree-awarding powers
One Indian higher education institution recognised by the relevant authorities
One industry partner from either the UK or India
Applications must be submitted jointly by all partners with institutional approval.
Application deadline: 25 August 2026

The Game On – Community Places to Play programme, delivered by LISC in partnership with the DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation, helps communities create and renovate safe, accessible spaces where young people can play sport. Funding supports capital projects that improve athletic facilities while expanding youth development opportunities in underserved communities.
Here's what you can expect:
Grants of $50,000–$100,000
Technical assistance throughout the project
Funding to build or renovate indoor and outdoor youth sports facilities
Supports spaces for basketball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and more
Projects must provide a 1:1 funding match and demonstrate positive youth development outcomes alongside sports participation.
Who can apply?
Community-based nonprofit organisations
Schools
Local parks and recreation departments working in partnership with a nonprofit organisation
Projects serving young people aged 6–24 in underserved communities.
Application deadline: 15 August 2026

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is inviting applications for its Global Voices for Peace Small Seed Grants. The programme supports grassroots and community-based organisations leading innovative peacebuilding initiatives in regions affected by conflict, violence or social division. Funding is designed to help local organisations test new ideas, strengthen community leadership and promote lasting peace.
Here's what you can expect:
Grants of $10,000–$15,000
Funding for locally led peacebuilding and conflict transformation initiatives
Support for community-led dialogue, reconciliation and social cohesion projects
Funding for advocacy, research, documentation and community engagement activities
Seed funding to help organisations pilot or expand impactful peace initiatives.
Who can apply?
Grassroots and community-based organisations
Organisations working in conflict-affected or peacebuilding contexts
Groups with locally led initiatives focused on peace, justice and community resilience
Organisations capable of delivering projects with measurable community impact.
Application deadline: 15 September 2026.