In Wales, you'll find dedicated guidance and support to help Welsh organisations achieve "Innovation Excellence".
What is Innovation?
To us, innovation means creating and applying new or improved technologies, systems or processes that improve your organisation or opens new markets.
This could include using knowledge and expertise to develop solutions that solve problems, improve efficiency or deliver value.
SMART Innovation Funding
SMART Innovation Funding is a discretionary grant funded programme across Wales delivering flexible RD&I support to help your organisation to become more competitive, increase sales and enter new markets.
Further Information
SMART Innovation Funding is open to businesses of all sizes (micro, SME and large), Social enterprises, Knowledge- based institutions and public sector organisations.
To be eligible, your activity must align with at least one of these aims.
- Increase business research and development (R&D) spending in Wales
- Boost innovation in Welsh business
- Attract competitive business focussed R&D investment into Wales
- Support collaboration between businesses and knowledge-based institutions in Wales and internationally
- Increase productivity in the Welsh economy
Your project must also be based in Wales and deliver measurable benefits for the Welsh economy.
- Applications from organisations based outside Wales
- Applications from knowledge-based institutions without business or industry partnership
- Activity that does not align with Welsh Government policy
We prioritise projects in these key sectors:
- Digital transformation
- Net zero and decarbonisation
- Agri-tech, food and rural economy
- Creative industries and media
- Life sciences and biotech
- Materials and manufacturing
Interested in our Smart Innovation Funding and think you're eligible?
Complete the Business Wales contact us form, and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss your enquiry.
If you're eligible, an innovation specialist will be assigned to work with you through to award.
You can view our guidance and application forms here, however we strongly recommend getting in touch with a member of the team before submitting your application. Please note if you are a business, a business plan is a requirement to access the funding.