Funded access to Catapults and RTOs

Innovative, ambitious businesses can benefit from the facilities and expertise provided by Catapults and Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs) through funding support.

RTOs are specialised not-for-profit knowledge organisations dedicated to the development and transfer of science and technology to the benefit of the economy and society. They include hubs, laboratories, testbeds, factories and offices for cutting edge R&D. The Catapult network of technology and innovation centres established by Innovate UK supports businesses to transform great ideas into valuable products and services.

Applicants with a suitable project could be offered a grant for 100% of eligible costs to a maximum of £15,000.

Businesses that are looking to grow & scale through innovation can use this grant funding to access Catapults and RTOs to:

• Explore and test new product ideas
• Seek technical expertise and specialist sector knowledge
• Gain advice on regulatory and government processes as well as access networks of customers, services and funders
• Receive sector-specific expert advice and support with market analysis; cost modelling; business‐case support; creation of industry‐relevant R&D project plans
  Identify opportunities for R&D, collaboration, and partnership building
• Receive support to commercialise their innovation, including improving efficiency, making their business operations more sustainable, or investigating market gaps.

Are you eligible?

The RTO Catapult Grant scheme is only open to eligible SMEs. Businesses must be a UK-registered, trading company, with up to 250 employees.

The Manufacturing Technology Centre is a member of Agri-TechE. They can help you understand how to scale up manufacturing in your business – which could include supporting farmers to integrate automation in their processes, and advice for start-ups looking to grow their business. We can connect you to MTC who can also tell you more about this grant scheme and other funding options, suich as Made Smarter, to work with them.

You can see other funding calls in our Funding Finder.