Beyond Innovate UK: Tapping into Regional Funding Opportunities for Your Invention
When UK-based inventors and early-stage startups look for funding, Innovate UK often feels like the first—and only—destination. While Innovate UK offers powerful options like Innovation Loans and sector-specific competitions, it’s not the only route to success.
In fact, regional funding opportunities across the UK can offer faster access, more tailored support, and even less competition, especially for those just starting out. Whether you’re prototyping your first product or exploring market validation, these local grants and schemes can give your innovation the nudge it needs.
At Innovate Design, we help you assess if you’re ready to apply, protect your IP, and prepare your application for the best possible outcome.
Why Regional Grants Are Worth Exploring
Accessible: Many regional grants are designed specifically for early-stage or micro businesses, including sole traders.
Localised Support: Councils and Growth Hubs often offer additional mentoring, workspace access, and community connections.
Smaller, Yet Crucial Funds: Even grants of £1,000–£10,000 can help fund prototyping, product testing, or IP costs.
Focused on Impact: These programmes want to stimulate local economies, meaning your invention could be particularly valuable if it solves regional problems.
Snapshot of Early-Stage Grants by Region
London
UK Shared Prosperity Fund Initiatives
Through partnerships like the "Supply Ready" programme in West London, micro and minority-led businesses may access support tied to growth, innovation, and digital adoption. These programmes focus on sectors such as healthcare, tech, and sustainability.
Explore more at: London UKSPF Support
Health Tech Enterprise – NIHR i4i THRIVE Funding
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) provides the i4i THRIVE funding programme, offering £150,000 to support healthcare innovations.
This programme is perfect for inventors working on medical devices or health-related technology. It helps fund development, feasibility, and scaling.
Current window: Opened 14 April 2025, closes 16 May 2025.
Learn more: Health Tech Enterprise – Funding Opportunities
South East England
Local Startup & Innovation Grants
Typically £1,000–£5,000 from district councils or Growth Hubs to support product development, R&D, or early marketing.
Check local Growth Hubs: OxLEP, SELEP, Solent LEP.
Midlands (East & West)
West Midlands SME Grants Programme
Grants between £2,500 and £100,000 (early-stage: £2.5k–£7.5k) to develop new products, scale operations, or boost sustainability.
Find out more: Business Growth West Midlands
North West England
Greater Manchester Foundational Economy Innovation Fund
Phase 1 grants of up to £11,000 and up to £60,000 in Phase 2 for community-focused innovation in sectors like childcare, retail, or health services.The most recent round closed on 13 May 2025, but we are aware that the programme is expected to be renewed.We recommend keeping an eye on the official page for future updates:
GMCA – Foundational Economy Innovation Fund
North East England
North East SME Innovation Programme
40% match-funded grants from £2,000 to £20,000 to develop or improve products and services.
North of Tyne Creative Innovation Grants offer up to £8,000 for creative businesses developing new content or tools.
Apply through: North East BIC
Yorkshire & Humber
AD:VENTURE Growth Grants
Grants of £1,500–£10,000, covering up to 50% of costs for young startups under 3 years old across West Yorkshire and parts of North Yorkshire.
More info: AD:VENTURE Growth Hub
Gloucestershire (Tewkesbury)
Rural England Prosperity Fund
Capital grants between £3,000–£24,999 for rural businesses—ideal for inventors working in agritech, low-carbon innovation, or manufacturing.
While this was the final round under the current funding allocation, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced updates to the REPF for the 2025–2026 financial year. These updates indicate continued support for rural businesses through capital funding initiatives.
We recommend checking their website.
National + Devolved Nation Highlights
Northern Ireland
Invest NI’s Business Innovation Grant (BIG)
Supports projects up to £20,000, including prototyping and feasibility studies—even accessible to sole traders.
Scotland
SMART: SCOTLAND Grant
Feasibility and R&D grants for new technologies. Ideal for proving technical and commercial viability of new inventions.
Wales
SMART Flexible Innovation Support (FIS)
Supports small-scale innovations from concept to market. Structured to be flexible and accessible for small teams and sole traders.
England (National)
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via local councils)
Many local authorities offer micro-grants from this fund for early-stage product development or innovation—often £2,000–£5,000. Check your local council website or Find a Grant service regularly.
How Innovate Design Can Help
Having an invention is one thing—being ready to win funding is another.
At Innovate, we help you:
Evaluate your funding readiness
Understand your intellectual property (IP) landscape
Refine your pitch or application
Package your idea for public or private funders
Whether you're seeking £1,000 to kick-start your prototype or £50,000 to pilot a social-impact tech solution, we can help guide you through your next steps.
Ready to Explore Your Funding Options?
The best place to start is with your idea.
Send us your invention or concept securely and in confidence using this link.
We’ll help you assess your IP, funding eligibility, and how best to position your application for success.