Innovation, research and development grants

The Government Grant for Research and Development

The Government Grant for Research and Development provides finance to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in England to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

There are four  types of grant available within the scheme, each supporting different types of research and development project, and each requires the applicant to make their own contribution to the project costs:

• Micro projects  are simple, low-cost development projects lasting no longer than 12 months. A grant of up to £20,000 is available to businesses with fewer than ten employees.  
• Research projects aim to investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of innovative technology and last six to 18 months. A grant of up to £100,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 50 employees.  
• Development projects  aim to develop a pre-production prototype of a new product or process that involves a significant technological advance. Projects take six to 36 months. A grant of up to £250,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 250 employees.  
• Exceptional development projects  involve a significant technological advance and are strategically important for a particular technology or industrial sector. Projects take six to 36 months. A negotiable grant of up to £500,000 is available to businesses with a qualifying project.  

The Government Grant for Research and Development is administered by the nine English Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). You should contact your RDA to establish any closing dates for applications in your region. Find contact details for your nearest RDA on the English RDA website - Opens in a new window.  

Projects based in the assisted areas of England may benefit from higher rates of grants.  

Research and development grants in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland  

Businesses in Scotland can get information about SMART grants at the Scottish Government website - Opens in a new window.  

Businesses in Wales can find information about grants at the The Wales Innovation Relay Centre website - Opens in a new window. 

Businesses in Northern Ireland can find information about SMART grants at the Invest Northern Ireland website - Opens in a new window. 

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• The different sources of government funding
• The Government Grant for Research and Development
• The EU Framework Programme
• EUREKA
• Collaborative Research and Development
• Other sources of funding
• Here's how a research grant helped my business

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