Funding

BCIC WM actively works with investors and government to secure funding for capital and infrastructure investments that reduce energy costs and accelerate competitive decarbonisation across the region.

To date, we’ve successfully raised over £50M for regional manufacturing businesses.

Links to live funds are posted here when available, and members with specific projects should contact us directly.

 

New Funding – Expires 10 December 2025

Made Smarter Innovation: SME Resource and Energy Efficiency Competitions

Transforming UK Manufacturing through Digital Technologies Innovation

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. The briefing webinar and slides can be accessed here.

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

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).