MDI programme innovation and scale-up hub
MDI programme innovation and scale-up hub supports manufacturers and technology providers with digital innovation, validation and scale-up work to improve adoption, productivity and resilience across five sectors.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 18, 2026, 11:00am UK time (Competition closes)
Funding Amounts: £3.8 million–£4 million per project for 36 months; up to £4 million total funding
Summary: Supports a manufacturing digitalisation innovation and scale-up hub to improve the targeting, quality and commercial impact of grant-funded activity.
Key Information: Only UK-registered research and technology organisations or academic institutions can lead or apply alone.
Description
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will fund an Innovation and Scale-Up Hub through the Manufacturing Digitalisation Innovation (MDI) programme. The hub will identify common industrial challenges across five advanced manufacturing sectors: Advanced Materials, Aerospace, Automotive, Batteries and Space. It must bring together representative manufacturers and high-potential technology providers to develop widely adoptable industrial digital technology solutions.
The hub must take a challenge-led, technology-neutral approach rather than begin with predetermined solutions. Its work will support stronger grant applications, technical validation, commercial readiness, technology-provider growth and wider adoption. Priorities include UK business growth, private co-investment, manufacturing productivity and resilience, and resource and energy efficiency. The hub will support opportunities funded through both MDI and Made Smarter Innovation.
