The Made Smarter Innovation: SME Resource and Energy Efficiency Competitions are now open for applications. 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 for feasibility studies (£25,000–£150,000) and 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).
Key dates:
- Competition opens:Â 22 October 2025
- Online briefing webinar:Â 27 October 2025 11:00am
- Application deadline:Â 10 December 2025 (11am UK time)
- Project start:Â 1 April 2026
Focus areas:Â 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
You can find out more about the funding opportunity and book onto drop-in sessions here.
