Innovate UK's Launchpad initiative backs SME clusters and innovative businesses, helping them advance ideas for commercialisation and boosting local economies.

Funded by Innovate UK, Launchpads align with the UK government’s goals outlined in the Levelling Up White Paper.

Each Launchpad cluster benefits from various forms of support such as funding for research and development, opportunities for networking and collaboration, and access to innovation specialists including Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs).

The launchpads are focused on the following clusters. 

IUK Launchpad – New Innovators in life and health sciences, Northern IrelandThis funding is open to micro and small business that are new to Innovate UK funding support and is 100% funded.
Funding amount: £25k – £50k | Deadline to apply: 19th June 2024

IUK Launchpad – New Innovators in immersive & creative, Coventry and Warwickshire This funding is open to micro and small business that are new to Innovate UK funding support and is 100% funded.
Funding amount: £25k - £200k | Deadline to apply: 19th June 2024

IUK Launchpad – New Innovators in agri-tech and food technology, Eastern England.This funding is open to micro and small business that are new to Innovate UK funding support and is 100% funded.
New Innovators Funding Launchpad FAQ (PDF): Your questions answered
Funding amount: £25k - £50k | Deadline to apply: 19th June 2024

IUK Launchpad – Agri-tech and food technology, Eastern England – round 2 CR&D.This competition aims to support outstanding innovation projects led by businesses growing innovation activities in the agri-tech and food technology cluster in Eastern England. Up to 70% funded.
Funding amount: £150k - £300k | Deadline to apply: 19th June 2024

IUK Launchpad – New Innovators in Net Zero Industry, South West Wales.This funding is open to micro and small business that are new to Innovate UK funding support and is 100% funded.
Funding amount: £25k - £50k | Deadline to apply: 19th June 2024

IUK Launchpad – New Innovators in digital technology, North East EnglandThis funding is open to micro and small business that are new to Innovate UK funding support and is 100% funded.
Funding amount: £25k - £50k | Deadline to apply: 19th June 2024