Up to £500,000 Million for UK Createch Innovation

The Next Wave: Breakthrough Wave 1 competition from Innovate UK is now open. UK micro, small and medium-sized businesses can apply for funding to develop innovative Createch solutions that combine creativity and technology across the UK's frontier industries. The programme is designed to help businesses move beyond proof of concept, reduce technical and commercial risk, and prepare innovations for future investment and growth.

Here's what you can expect:

• A share of up to £10 million in Innovate UK funding

• Individual grants between £100,000 and £500,000

• Funding of up to 70% of eligible project costs (depending on business size)

• Support for industrial research projects lasting 6–12 months

• Opportunity to de-risk innovation, attract investment and accelerate commercialisation.

Who can apply?

• UK-registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

• Single applicants or collaborative projects

• Projects developing commercial digital platforms or services within Createch, including:

• Video games

• Film and TV

• Music, performing and visual arts

• Advertising and marketing

Projects must align with the UK's Industrial Strategy Frontier Industries and move innovations beyond proof of concept.

Application deadline: 11 August 2026 (11:00am)