Secure the funding you need to innovate and grow your business with our round-up of the best grant opportunities coming up this month. Our curated selection of the latest funding schemes includes grant opportunities for health sciences, sustainability, and digital innovation.

 

Social Impact and Sustainability:

 

Pushing the Frontiers of Environmental Research

Advancing innovative environmental research.

What is it? This scheme offers funding for pioneering research projects that aim to significantly advance our understanding of environmental science. It supports high-risk, high-reward studies that can lead to substantial breakthroughs in environmental knowledge.

Who is it for? Open to research groups and individuals. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funding, and in a role that meets the individual eligibility requirements.

Deadline: 21st January 2025

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Decarbonising the Health and Social Care System

Promoting sustainable practices in health and social care.

What is it? This funding opportunity supports research into innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions within the health and social care system. The goal is to develop sustainable practices that contribute to the UK’s net-zero targets. This cross-programme funding opportunity will run annually for the next 5 years. There will be £25 million total funding available across the 5 years, with a new application process opening each year.

Who is it for? Researchers and organisations focusing on environmental sustainability in health and social care settings. Projects should aim to implement practical solutions for decarbonisation. They are interested in high-quality research evidence that supports both innovative carbon reduction measures and/or existing interventions, service models, and care pathways focused on decarbonisation of the health and social care system.

Deadline: 26th March 2025

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Emerging Technology: 

 

AI Solutions to Develop AI Competencies in Key Sectors

Enhancing AI capabilities across industries.

What is it? This initiative provides funding for projects that develop artificial intelligence solutions aimed at building AI competencies in crucial sectors of the economy. The focus is on fostering innovation and improving productivity through AI integration. UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to support AI upskilling in BridgeAI key sectors.

Who is it for? UK-registered businesses and research organisations with expertise in AI, looking to apply their solutions to key industry sectors. Collaborative projects that drive sector-wide AI adoption are preferred. This competition is open to single applicants and collaborations. You must be or involve at least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise.

Deadline: 29th January 2025

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Robotics and Other Automated Solutions for Construction, Renovation, and Maintenance

Innovating the construction industry with automation.

What is it?  This call seeks proposals the development of robotics and automated technologies in construction, renovation, and maintenance to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the built environment.

Who is it for? Organisations and research teams specializing in robotics, automation, and construction technologies. Projects should aim to revolutionize construction practices through innovative automated solutions.

Deadline: 21st January 2025

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Health and Wellbeing:

 

Scalable Neural Interfaces

Transforming neuroscience through advanced interfaces.

What is it? This programme offers funding for ambitious research into scalable neural interface technologies that can enhance our understanding of the human brain and lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders. Funding from £10k up to £500k per project, inclusive of VAT (where applicable) and all associated costs (both direct and indirect). There is no minimum length for a proposed project but the maximum length is three years.

Who is it for? Researchers and innovators in neuroscience, applied physics, and related fields, eager to develop next-generation neural interface technologies. Projects should challenge existing paradigms and propose novel approaches. Keen to hear from early career entrepreneurs and researchers, and those from a broad range of sectors and backgrounds.

Deadline: 13th February 2025

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Mindset Extended Reality (XR): Digital Therapeutics for Mental Health

Pioneering XR solutions for mental health treatment.

What is it? This competition provides funding for the development of extended reality (XR) digital therapeutics aimed at delivering mental health care services. The goal is to create scalable solutions that can be integrated into the UK’s mental health care ecosystem.

Who is it for? UK-registered businesses with innovative XR solutions targeting mental health treatment. Projects should be ready for application and trial within 12 to 18 months.

Deadline: 15th January 2025

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Other:

 

Innovate UK Smart Grants: November 2024

Driving game-changing innovations for economic growth.

What is it? This funding opportunity offers grants for game changing and commercially viable research and development (R&D) innovations that have the potential to significantly impact the UK economy. It supports game-changing ideas across various sectors.

Who is it for? UK-registered businesses and research organisations with groundbreaking projects poised to drive substantial economic growth. You must carry out all your R&D project activity in the UK and intend to commercially exploit the project results from the UK. You must be or involve at least one grant claiming micro, small or medium-sized enterprise.

Deadline: 22nd January 2025

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New Generation Thinkers 2025

Bridging academia and public engagement through broadcasting.

What is it? This scheme offers early career researchers the opportunity to become ‘researchers in residence’ with BBC Radio 4, working with programme makers to produce content that brings academic research to a broad audience.

Who is it for? Early career researchers based at UK research organisations, passionate about sharing their research with the public through media engagement. Applicants should be within eight years of their first PhD or within six years of their first academic appointment, and studing a relevent area of research.

Deadline: 28th January 2025

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Can’t find what you’re looking for?

If you can’t see a grant relevant to your industry, our curated grant opportunities finder contains an expansive array of the best national and local funding available across sectors.

Our team of expert consultants can help you identify different funding routes for your organisation that suits your business model and aspirations to grow. Whether you’re looking for bespoke grant funding opportunities, support with writing bids and tenders, or advice on preparing your pitch deck for investors, our experienced team can help you find an approach that’s right for you.

Speak to a member of our team today to start your funding journey.