Accelerating UK Health Innovation

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is investing up to £25 million through the Biomedical Catalyst 2025 programme to support UK SMEs developing innovative solutions to major health and healthcare challenges.

The funding aims to de-risk innovation, attract private investment, and speed up the delivery of new diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health products to market.

Funding Streams

Two competition strands are available:

1. Industry-led R&D Small Projects

• Total project costs: up to £1 million
• Maximum grant: £500,000
• Duration: 6–24 months
• Start by 1 July 2026, end by 30 June 2028

2. Industry-led R&D Large Projects

• Total project costs: up to £4 million
• Grant: £500,000–£2 million
• Duration: 6–36 months
• Start by 1 July 2026, end by 30 June 2029

All projects must demonstrate technical and commercial feasibility and enhance the competitiveness of at least one UK SME.

Scope

Projects may target any health or healthcare discipline, including:

• Disease prevention, early diagnosis, and personalised treatment
• Advanced therapies, biosciences, and preclinical tools
• Diagnostics, biomarkers, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
• Medical devices, robotics, and precision healthcare
• Digital and data-driven health
• Healthy ageing and independent living

Eligible activities include prototyping, safety and efficacy trials, IP protection, and regulatory or commercial planning.