Innovate UK has announced a new funding opportunity, making available up to £7.5 million to support UK registered businesses in developing and implementing digital, automated, and robotic technologies within pharmaceutical process development and manufacturing. The initiative, titled 'Medicines manufacturing: labs of the future,' specifically targets UK registered micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as lead applicants, with single applicants and collaborations eligible. The goal is to accelerate and improve the efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Eligible UK registered SMEs must apply for this grant funding between April 13, 2026, and May 27, 2026. Companies should review the full opportunity details on the Innovation Funding Service and ensure their proposed projects align with the objective of advancing digital, automated, and robotic technologies in the pharmaceutical sector. While this is a funding announcement and not a direct regulatory mandate, successful applicants will be expected to adhere to the terms of the grant and contribute to the stated goals of improving manufacturing speed and efficiency.