Are you ready to take your innovation in industrial digital technologies for manufacturers to the next level?
The Made Smarter Innovation: SME Resource and Energy Efficiency competitions are now open, offering UK SMEs the chance to secure a share of up to £15.5 million in grant funding across two strands. These aim to develop cutting-edge digital technologies that improve the sustainability, resilience and productivity of UK SME manufacturers by improving energy or resource efficiency.
Why Apply?
This is your opportunity to:
- Accelerate your digital transformation journey
- Boost productivity, sustainability, and resilience in your business
- Collaborate with other forward-thinking SMEs, academic institutions, and research organisations
Whether you’re developing a new digital solution to reduce waste or optimise energy use to streamline manufacturing processes, this competition is designed to help you turn your ideas into impact.
Who Can Apply?
• UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as technology developers or manufacturers
• Projects must focus on digital solutions for energy or resource efficiency in manufacturing
• Projects must be led by a technology developer. For feasibility studies, they can apply independently. For industrial research projects, they must collaborate with two manufacturing businesses, or more
• Collaborative projects are encouraged, including UK-based SMEs, academic institutions, and research organisations
Funding Available
• Strand 1: Feasibility Studies: £25,000–£150,000 per project
• Strand 2: Industrial Research: £200,000–£1,000,000 per project
Key Dates
• Competition opens: 22 October 2025
• Deadline for applications: 10 December 2025 (11am UK time)
• Applicants notified: 20 January 2026
• Projects start: 1 April 2026
Get Support - Join Our Drop-in Sessions
Not sure if your idea fits? Need help with your application? Join our online drop-in sessions for advice, networking, and answers to your questions. These sessions are open to all prospective applicants—don’t miss out on expert guidance and the chance to connect with peers.
Join our drop-in session for application support and to help find a project partner:
https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/ed72b40e-63ef-4d76-ba41-384e53c63506/summary
Watch the competition briefing webinar for more information.
How to Apply
Apply online here.
Don’t miss this chance to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth in UK manufacturing.
Apply now and join our drop-in sessions to get started!