Applications are open for the Made Smarter Innovation: SME Resource and Energy Efficiency Competition. This is a unique opportunity for UK-based industrial digital technologists and manufacturing organisations to secure grant funding for projects that drive resource and energy efficiency through digital innovation.

What’s on offer?

Up to £15.5 million in grant funding available across two strands

• Feasibility studies (£25,000–£150,000)
• Industrial research (£200,000–£1,000,000).

Grants cover up to 70% of eligible costs for micro/small organisations, and 60% for medium enterprises.

Who can apply?

• UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating as technology developers or manufacturers.
• Technology developers must lead the project. For industrial research projects, they must collaborate with a minimum of two manufacturing businesses.
• Collaborative projects may include academic institutions and research & technology organisations (RTOs). Register for a drop-in session to find a project partner.

Key dates:

• Competition opens: 22 October
• Online briefing webinar: 27 October
• Application deadline: 10 December
• Project start: 1 April 2026

Projects should address resource or energy efficiency in manufacturing, including:

• Reducing raw material, process, packaging, or maintenance waste
• Improving energy use in boilers, compressors, motors, ovens, and more

Join the briefing webinar to learn more about eligibility, themes, and how to maximise your application’s impact.

If you need help finding a project partner, join our drop-in sessions or contact the Innovate UK Business Connect team at madesmarter@iukbc.org.uk 

For any questions on scope and eligibility, or accessibility support, email support@iuk.ukri.org or call 0300 321 4357 (Mon–Fri, 9am–12pm & 2pm–5pm).