This is not intended as a comprehensive guide to UK funding available for R&D activities. Instead, we provide a broad overview of the major Government and non-commercial sources of funding, with links to further information. A more comprehensive listing of regional and UK Government and European funding is provided on the Fundmap website, maintained by the UK Technology Strategy Board.
We also list current funding opportunities from selected organisations that have fixed closing dates in our Noticeboard, and you can browse just those with the keyword funding on our blog.
UK Government: Grant schemes and government support
There are many grants and government support schemes available to UK businesses. The Government’s Business Link website provides a comprehensive guide to them, including Innovation and R&D grants provided by BERR, the EU Framework Programme and EUREKA.
The Technology Strategy Board channels much of Government’s funding for innovation. Its Collaborative R&D programme is designed to assist the industrial and research communities to work together on R&D projects in strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology – from which successful new products, processes and services can emerge. Regular competitions for funding of Collaborative R&D projects are held on different themes – eg low-carbon vehicles. For details of the current programmes and how to apply, visit the Technology Strategy Board website.
UK Government: R&D Tax Credits
Businesses that carry out research and development (R&D) can often reduce their tax bills by claiming relief for some of their R&D expenditure. There are two systems in place – R&D tax allowances and R&D tax reliefs. R&D tax reliefs are only available to companies subject to corporation tax while R&D tax allowances are available to all businesses that have a qualifying R&D spend. The online R&D Tax Credit guide from the Government’s Business Link service provides a comprehensive overview, and links to the relevant Government departments.