Investor Partnerships – ACT and Semiconductors
UK Research and Innovation’s Investor Partnerships – ACT and Semiconductors grant supports SME-led innovation in advanced connectivity and semiconductor technologies, including AI hardware, to accelerate UK digital infrastructure.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: October 14, 2026: Competition closes
Funding Amounts: £250,000–£1M (industrial research) or £500,000–£2M (experimental development) per project; up to £15M total available; grant covers up to 70% of costs (industrial research) or up to 45% (experimental development), with required matched/double private investment.
Summary: Supports UK SMEs in advanced connectivity technologies (ACT) and semiconductors by pairing grant funding with private investment to accelerate technology innovation.
Key Information: Applicants must secure an approved investor partner and investment before applying; single SME applicants only.
Description
This funding opportunity, provided by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in partnership with Innovate UK, is designed to support UK-based SMEs working on advanced connectivity technologies (ACT), semiconductors (including AI hardware), or their convergence. The program aims to foster innovation and commercialization by aligning grant funding with private investment from approved investor partners. Projects must demonstrate strong innovation, a clear route to market, and the potential for significant growth and investment traction. The call supports the UK’s strategic ambitions in digital infrastructure, semiconductor technologies, and AI hardware, contributing to the UK AI Hardware Plan and broader industrial strategy.
