Contracts for Innovation: Earlier identification of UK children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Funding
Contact funder
Location
England
Applications
Open until 5 August 2026
This grant offers a share of £2.5 million to develop new tools or approaches for identifying special educational needs (SEN) in children earlier and more fairly. It is aimed at areas where current solutions do not work well or do not exist. The grant is funded by Innovate UK Business Connect and is open to organisations based in or working in England. The deadline to apply is 5 August 2026.
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must develop innovations for earlier or fairer identification of SEN
- Must address areas where existing market solutions underperform or do not operate
This is for organisations in England developing innovative solutions to identify special educational needs in children sooner and more reliably. It suits businesses, research bodies, or other organisations working in education, health, or child development technology. It is aimed at areas where existing products or services fall short.
Regions
Organisations can apply for a share of £2.5m inclusive of VAT to develop innovations that enable earlier, fairer, more reliable identification of special educational needs (SEN) in contexts where existing market solutions underperform or do not operate.
Apply through Innovate UK Business Connect. Check their website for the application portal and any expression of interest requirements. The deadline is 5 August 2026.
Get more from this grant
Premium members can check eligibility, plan applications, and generate drafts for any grant.
- Check if you’re eligible for this grant
- Get a step-by-step application plan
- Generate a first draft you can work from
- Review your draft against the criteria
- Build a budget template
- Read the grant in plain English
Get notified about grants like this
Create a free account to receive alerts when new funding opens.
Create free accountLast updated: 29 June 2026