UKRI AI Feasibility Study Fund for SMEs
Summary
UKRI has opened a funding opportunity for UK registered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to deliver feasibility studies for frontier AI and machine learning technologies. Up to £3 million is available through Innovate UK, with applications closing on April 29, 2026.
What changed
UKRI, through Innovate UK, has launched a new funding opportunity, "Artificial intelligence (AI) champions: frontier AI phase one," making up to £3 million available for UK registered SMEs. This fund is specifically for feasibility studies focused on frontier AI and machine learning technologies that have a clear path to scalable development. The opportunity opened on March 17, 2026, and closes on April 29, 2026.
Eligible entities must be UK registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises applying as single applicants. Successful applicants will receive grants to conduct feasibility studies. Companies interested in this funding should review the full details on the Innovation Funding Service and submit their applications before the closing deadline to be considered for the available funds.
What to do next
- Verify eligibility as a UK registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise.
- Develop a feasibility study proposal for frontier AI/ML technologies.
- Submit application via the Innovation Funding Service by April 29, 2026.
Source document (simplified)
Funding opportunity
Funding opportunity: Artificial intelligence (AI) champions: frontier AI phase one
Opportunity status: Open Funders: Innovate UK Funding type: Grant Total fund: £3,000,000 Publication date: 19 March 2026 Opening date:
17 March 2026 9:00am UK time
Closing date:
29 April 2026 11:00am UK time
See the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service.
UK registered small and medium-sized enterprise businesses can apply for a share of up to £3 million to deliver feasibility studies for frontier AI and machine learning technologies with a clear route defensible scale-up.
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to single applicants only.
Your organisation must be a UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprise.
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