Innovate UK & UK Networks

What is Innovate UK?

Innovate UK is the United Kingdom's national innovation agency, operating as part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Its mission is to drive productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to develop and commercialise new products, services, and processes. With an annual budget exceeding GBP 1 billion, Innovate UK is the primary gateway for UK businesses seeking public funding for innovation.

The agency operates through several key mechanisms. Smart Grants provide open-topic funding for innovative projects across all sectors, with competitions running throughout the year. The Innovation Exchange connects businesses with public sector challenges and procurement opportunities. UK Cluster Networks bring together regional innovation ecosystems around specific technology themes. Innovate UK also acts as the UK's national contact point for international R&D programmes including EUREKA, ITEA, and Horizon Europe.

The Catapult Network

The Catapult network is a collection of world-leading technology and innovation centres established by Innovate UK. Each Catapult focuses on a specific area -- from digital innovation and high-value manufacturing to satellite applications and energy systems. They provide businesses with access to specialist facilities, expertise, and collaboration opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach, particularly for SMEs. Digital Tactics works with Catapult centres to deliver technical expertise in AI and software engineering to their industry partners.

How Digital Tactics Helps

Digital Tactics has a strong track record of winning and delivering Innovate UK-funded projects. We help businesses at every stage of the innovation funding journey:

• Application writing -- crafting compelling funding applications that clearly articulate the innovation, market opportunity, and delivery plan
• Technical delivery -- providing AI, software engineering, and data science capability as a project partner or subcontractor
• Commercialisation support -- helping translate funded R&D into market-ready products and services
• International programme access -- connecting UK businesses to EUREKA, ITEA, and other international networks via Innovate UK's bilateral agreements

Eligibility and Funding

Most Innovate UK programmes are open to UK-registered businesses. Smart Grants typically fund projects of GBP 25,000 to GBP 2 million, with funding rates of 45-70% depending on organisation size and project type. Collaborative R&D competitions may have higher budgets. International programmes accessed through Innovate UK follow the rules of the parent programme (e.g., EUREKA, Horizon Europe) with UK costs funded by Innovate UK.

Get Involved

Innovate UK is the natural starting point for any UK business looking to fund innovation. Whether you need help with a Smart Grant application, want to explore international R&D, or are looking for a technical delivery partner, Digital Tactics can help. Contact us to discuss how we can support your innovation ambitions.