Contracts for Innovation: Innovation in play to improve child outcomes

This Contracts for Innovation competition from UKRI, run through Innovate UK Business Connect, backs practical ideas that bring play back into children's lives. It pays for research and development work to create solutions that improve access to real world play and raise its quality. The aim is better learning, development, health and wellbeing for children and young people up to the age of 18. The focus is on play within the home learning environment.

UKRI will invest up to £3 million, including VAT, from its Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity Mission. This is subject to enough high quality applications. Phase 1 projects must have total costs of between £200,000 and £500,000, including VAT. They must run for 12 months, from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2028, and put at least 50% of the contract value into R&D services. These are procurement contracts, so 100% of eligible costs are usually covered. Up to 15 contracts are expected.

The competition suits organisations of any size that can design, test and deliver play-based approaches. These could be services, behaviour change work, new partnership models or place based design. You will need a clear theory of change, a monitoring and evaluation plan, strong safeguarding plans and a credible route to wider use.

Applications close on 28 October 2026 at 11:00am.

One practical caveat: projects centred on screens, apps, AI tools or consumer toys will not be funded. This is also phase 1 of a possible three phases, and only successful phase 1 applicants can apply for phase 2.

Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/cfi-innovation-in-play-to-improve-child-outcomes/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.