Published: June 23rd, 2026
One of the best ways for any business to grow and develop real resilience is through innovation.
But turning a great idea into a commercial reality often requires funding as well as collaboration and specialist support.
That’s where Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, can play a crucial role.
Innovate UK backs business‑led innovation across every sector and region of the UK, providing grants, expert support and connections to support forward-thinking companies.
If you are looking to develop new products, adopt new technologies or bring breakthrough ideas to market, it can be a valuable partner. And while it supports businesses of all sizes, it especially helps SMEs – the backbone of the Marches economy.
A wide range of funding competitions are currently open or opening soon, offering opportunities for businesses at different stages of their innovation journey.
For example, UK‑registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £32.8 million for collaborations developing the supply chain for quantum-enabling sensing.
Or there is a £25million pot available for pre-commercialisation projects as part of the UKRI R&D Missions Accelerator Programme through the Clean Energy Superpower Mission.
For businesses exploring robotics, automation or advanced manufacturing, Innovate UK is offering up to £2 million to create a central convening body to coordinate robotics adoption hubs – an opportunity for organisations looking to lead or collaborate on sector‑shaping work.
There’s a lot more grants and funding available across a wide range of opportunities, with innovation seen as vital to helping the UK economy to grow.
Funding rules vary depending on the type of organisation and the nature of the project, but most competitions require business leadership and effective collaboration between partners.
For Marches businesses, these opportunities can unlock new markets, accelerate product development and strengthen competitiveness.
But we know that navigating the landscape can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is where the Marches Growth Hub can help.
Our advisers can guide you through the options, help you understand eligibility and signpost you to the most relevant funding routes for your business.
If you’re exploring innovation funding – or simply want to understand what support is available – start by using the Support Finder on the Marches Growth Hub website. It’s the quickest way to identify live opportunities, tailored support and expert guidance to help your business take its next step.
