Innovate UK Innovation Loans (Future Economy)
Usually opens in January and June and September
Projected from the months this call usually opens — not a date the funder has confirmed.
Projected from the pattern of past calls — confirm on the funder's page before planning around it.
Loans of GBP 100,000 to GBP 5 million for late-stage R&D. Round 25 had up to GBP 25m total. Below-market fixed interest, interest-only during the project.
Innovate UK (UKRI)
public · national
Deadline: annual_call — Round 25 opened 8 January 2026 and closed 4 March 2026 at 11:00 UK time; projects expected to start 1 July 2026. Rounds have run roughly 2-3 times a year (Rounds 20-25).
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Moderate — a form and supporting documents.
Who can apply
- medium enterprises
- Sectors: deeptech, health, climate, ai, energy, any
- Stage: seed, series_a, growth
- R&D activity required
- Locally registered entity required
Individuals, large companies, charities, academic and research organisations cannot apply. Projects up to five years.
How to apply
- Check eligibility: UK-registered SME, single applicant only (no collaborations)
- Apply via the Innovation Funding Service during an open round
- Assessment by three independent experts on innovation quality and loan suitability
- Credit/financial due diligence by Innovate UK Loans Ltd
- Loan agreement and drawdown
What you will need
- Full project plan and finances
- Three years of company accounts or forecasts
- Repayment/exit plan
Source. https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2373/overview/609dc5dd-d3e8-4f51-af3a-3eb1b3314710 — checked 2026-08-14
"UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SME) ... highly innovative late stage research and development (R&D) projects with the best potential for the future."