Innovate UK Venture Builder Pilot 2026

Innovate UK is piloting a new Venture Builder Programme offering up to £150,000 in grant funding to new deep-tech spin-outs from UK universities and public research organisations. Eligible projects must focus on at least one of: Frontier AI, Engineering Biology, or Advanced Materials and Manufacturing. Applicants must be UK-registered SMEs incorporated within the last 24 months, with IP originating from a UK university or public research establishment, and must show evidence of market traction from at least one potential customer or partner. The programme is designed to help spin-outs transition from validated concepts to investment-ready businesses. Applications close 22 May 2026.