Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is investing up to £3.1 million in the Frontier AI: SME Champions, Phase 1 competition. The primary goal is to advance the development of state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the UK. This initiative supports UK-registered SMEs in conducting feasibility studies for ambitious AI and ML innovations that promise significant improvements or enable new products, services, and platforms. Frontier AI is defined by systems that achieve state-of-the-art performance or offer genuinely novel capabilities through innovation in model/system architecture, training methodology, core learning algorithms, or core control algorithms. This competition is the first of a three-phase funding pipeline aimed at nurturing the next generation of UK AI Champions, from early technical validation to scale-up. Phase 1 projects will concentrate on de-risking technical feasibility and generating robust evidence that the core approach is viable. Successful Phase 1 applicants will be invited to apply for Phase 2, which will focus on developing demonstrators and advancing the technology readiness level by two points. Projects must have total eligible costs between £150,000 and £250,000, last between 1 and 3 months, and commence by April 1, 2027, concluding by June 30, 2027. The lead organization must be a UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME) and must conduct project work, intend to exploit results, and spend most of the funding within the UK.

Applicants can start a new application or sign in to continue an existing one via the Innovation Funding Service website. The competition officially closes at 11am UK time on the stated deadline.