Discovery tool, not advice. Every figure is the published rule, not a decision on your case.

Loans

Innovate UK Innovation Loans (Future Economy)

Status

Usually opens in January and June and September

Projected from the months this call usually opens — not a date the funder has confirmed.

Closed

Projected from the pattern of past calls — confirm on the funder's page before planning around it.

Amount

£5,000,000

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.

Funder

Innovate UK (UKRI)

public · national

Deadline: One call a year — 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).

Your odds

Not published

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.

Effort

moderate

Moderate — a form and supporting documents.

Who can apply

medium-sized enterprises
Sectors: deeptech, health, climate, ai, energy, any
Stage: seed, Series A and 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

Apply on the funder's site

Source. https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2373/overview/609dc5dd-d3e8-4f51-af3a-3eb1b3314710

"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."

Verified on 14 August 2026

Source: apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk

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