Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1
Funding
Contact funder
Location
England
Applications
Open until 11 November 2026
UK small businesses can apply for a share of up to £3.1 million. The money funds feasibility studies for frontier AI and machine learning technologies. Your project must have a clear path to scaling up and defending that growth. Applications are open to SMEs registered in the UK, and the deadline is 11 November 2026.
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must be a UK registered SME
- Project must involve frontier AI or machine learning
- Must demonstrate a clear route to defensible scale-up
- Must be based in England
This grant is for small and medium-sized businesses registered in the UK and based in England. You must be exploring frontier AI or machine learning and have a realistic plan to scale up. It is not for large companies or businesses outside England.
Sectors
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 Some funders do not publish their grants data.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
UK registered SME’s can apply for a share of up to £3.1 million to deliver feasibility studies for frontier artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) technologies with a clear route to defensible scale-up.
Apply through Innovate UK Business Connect. The grant is for Phase 1, which suggests a multi-stage process, so check whether an expression of interest is required before a full application.
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Create free accountLast updated: 27 September 2026