Efficient, Structured and Controllable AI Systems
Innovate UK · Grant
Share of up to £1.66m. Projects £50,000–£150,000, up to 70% of costs covered
UK-wide (open to North East firms) · Checked
OpenOpen Upcoming Open
Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1
Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1 is a grant from Innovate UK. Amount: Share of up to £3.1m. Total eligible project costs must be £150,000 to £250,000. Feasibility studies: up to 70% of costs for micro or small firms, up to 60% for medium-sized firms.
- Amount
- Share of up to £3.1m. Total eligible project costs must be £150,000 to £250,000. Feasibility studies: up to 70% of costs for micro or small firms, up to 60% for medium-sized firms.
- Who it's for
- UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprises working alone (no subcontractors, one application per SME) on feasibility studies for frontier AI or machine learning with a clear route to scale-up. Projects last 1 to 3 months, start by 1 April 2027 and end by 30 June 2027. Open to North East firms.
- Deadline / status
- Open: Closes 11 November 2026, 11:00am
- Areas
- UK-wide (open to North East firms)
- Categories
- Innovation & R&D
- Notes
- Opened 1 October 2026. Phase 1 of a three-phase pipeline: only successful Phase 1 applicants can apply to Phase 2 (projects up to 12 months and up to £1m). Innovate UK says similar competitions had about a 2% chance of success. Briefing recording on the competition page.
- Official source
- https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2584/overview/4c7afb5d-4572-4ef2-9507-73ef2dec8ec8
- Last checked
Sourced North East is not the funder. Details can change, so confirm eligibility and deadlines on the official page before applying or spending money.
Get new North East grants every Monday
One short, free email each Monday: new schemes, changed amounts and deadlines closing that week. Every item links to its official source.
FAQ
How much can I get from Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1?
Share of up to £3.1m. Total eligible project costs must be £150,000 to £250,000. Feasibility studies: up to 70% of costs for micro or small firms, up to 60% for medium-sized firms.
Who is eligible for Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1?
UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprises working alone (no subcontractors, one application per SME) on feasibility studies for frontier AI or machine learning with a clear route to scale-up. Projects last 1 to 3 months, start by 1 April 2027 and end by 30 June 2027. Open to North East firms.
What is the deadline for Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1?
Open. Closes 11 November 2026, 11:00am. Last checked 21 Oct 2026; always confirm on the official page: https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2584/overview/4c7afb5d-4572-4ef2-9507-73ef2dec8ec8
Similar schemes
BridgeAI Deployment Catalyst (operational, decision-critical, assurance and compliance strands)
Innovate UK · Grant
Up to £5m per strand (Phase 1). Each project's grant request must be between £100,000 and £200,000.
UK-wide (open to North East firms) · Checked
Growth Cohorts: Next-gen low carbon concrete, Round 2
Innovate UK · Cohort entry with funding access
Up to £11.5m across a two-stage competition. Stage 1 grant funding request must be exactly £54,400: £50,000 of grant you can claim against eligible costs plus £4,400 of in-kind support from Innovate UK Business Connect.
UK-wide (open to North East firms) · Checked