The Made Smarter Innovation: SME Resource and Energy Efficiency Competitions, is now open for applications. This is a unique opportunity for UK-based industrial digital technologists and manufacturing organisations to secure grant funding for projects that drive resource and energy efficiency through digital innovation.
Up to £15.5 million in grant funding available across two strands:
- Feasibility studies (£25,000 to £150,000).
- Industrial research (£200,000 to £1,000,000).
Grants cover up to 70% of eligible costs for micro/small organisations, and 60% for medium enterprises.
Who can apply?
- UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating as technology developers or manufacturers.
- Technology developers must lead the project. For industrial research projects, they must collaborate with a minimum of two manufacturing businesses.
- Collaborative projects may include academic institutions and research & technology organisations (RTOs). Register for a drop-in session to find a project partner.
Projects should address resource or energy efficiency in manufacturing, including:
- Reducing raw material, process, packaging, or maintenance waste.
- Improving energy use in boilers, compressors, motors, ovens, and more.
The application deadline is 10 December 2025. Find out more: Competition overview - MSI: SME resource and energy efficiency – feasibility studies - Innovation Funding Service.
Innovation can help your organisation to become more competitive, increase sales and enter new markets. Here you can find out what support and funding is available to help you to innovate: Support and funding | Business Wales.