Contracts for Innovation: Earlier identification of UK children with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

One round of Contracts for Innovation, which has run 9 rounds in total and has 3 open now.

Funding

Contact funder

Location

England

Applications

Open until 5 August 2026

Overview

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.

Eligibility

Who can apply:

limited companycharitysocial enterpriseacademicpublic sector

Key requirements:

  • Must develop innovations for earlier or fairer identification of SEN
  • Must address areas where existing market solutions underperform or do not operate
Who is this for?

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

No published award history for Innovate UK Business Connect. Some funders do not publish their grants data.

Full details from Innovate UK Business Connect

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.

How to apply

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.

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Last updated: 5 August 2026