3 EIC Funding Finds: January 2021

We know it can be difficult to find funding for your innovation. That's why we created our Funding Finder to help you access the funding you need. 

This month, our Innovation Community Lead, Liam Bolton, has picked out his top three ‘EIC funding finds’: 

1. Innovate UK Smart Grants: January 2021

Innovate UK Smart Grants provide an opportunity for businesses and research and technology organisations to apply for a grant:

“to deliver ambitious or disruptive R&D innovations with significant potential for impact on the UK economy”.

You can apply for funding for innovation research and development (R&D):

• from feasibility (including market research)
• through to technology or prototype testing and development stages
• up to (but not including) commercialisation

IUK has allocated up to £25 million to fund a number of innovation projects in this competition.

Eligible project costs over £2 million may be considered (but not 

exceeding £3 million).

Competition closing date: 26 May 2021 (11:00 BST). Projects must start by 1 November 2021 and end by 30 November 2024.

2. Start Up Energy Transition Award

The Start Up Energy Transition Award is available for national and international start-up companies working on ideas affecting global energy transition and climate change.

There are five categories of the award all with the aim of clean energy promotion. The categories are:

• Clean Energy Generation
• Demand-side Innovation
• Energy Distribution and Storage
• Smart Mobility & Transportation
• Quality Energy Access

The winner of each category will receive a prize of up to €10,000.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 31 January 2021.

3. Solve for Tomorrow Competition

This UK-wide competition aims to empower the UK’s next generation of young innovators to change the world for good.  

The competition looks to attract ideas that use technology and a desire to make a difference.

• £10,000 cash prize available to develop an idea, 
• long term support and mentorship from Samsung, Digital Catapult and its network of start-ups

The deadline for applications is 21 February 2021.

To explore the full funding opportunities available, visit the EIC Funding Finder here.