Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1

Innovate UK is investing up to £3.1 million in Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1. It pays for short feasibility studies that test whether an ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) innovation can work in practice. Here, Frontier AI means systems that deliver state of the art performance against benchmarks or genuinely new to the world capabilities. The advance must come from new model or system architecture, training methods, or core learning or control algorithms.

It suits UK registered SMEs working alone, with an idea at Technology Readiness Level 1 to 3. Your proposal must fit one or more of four themes: AI-enabled health and life sciences, advanced materials with AI, secure AI for national security and defence, or AI safety and assurance technologies. You must pick one specific priority within each theme you choose.

Your project's total eligible costs must be between £150,000 and £250,000. Up to 70% of costs can be covered, depending on your business size. Projects must last 1 to 3 months, start by 1 April 2027 and end by 30 June 2027. You will need to deliver a proof of concept prototype, a clear validation method against predefined metrics, and a technical white paper.

Applications opened on 1 October 2026 and close on 11 November 2026.

This is Phase 1 of a three-phase pipeline. Only successful Phase 1 applicants will be invited to apply to Phase 2, and funding for later phases depends on UKRI business case approval. Competition is tough. Innovate UK's experience from similar competitions suggests you could have a 2% chance of success.

Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/frontier-ai-sme-champions-phase-1/.

Official source: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/frontier-ai-sme-champions-phase-1/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 28 October 2026.