AI grants for UK small businesses
Grants that pay towards AI projects for UK small businesses: automating work, using your data, or building AI into a product.
- 13 open or opening soon
- Every scheme links to its funder
- Free supplier quotes in 72 hours
Find your grant
Few grants are for AI alone. Most cover it as part of a wider digital or innovation project: putting AI to work on a manufacturing line, adding it to a software product, or using the data a business already holds to save time.
That means the application usually has to explain the business problem first and the technology second. Funders want to know what will change and how the money will be spent, and a scoped supplier quote answers the second question.
A scheme is listed here when its guidance names AI, machine learning or data projects among the things it pays for.
Updated
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13 schemes open or opening soon
Technology Development Grant (HIE DaTE)
Highlands and Islands EnterpriseWhereHighlands and IslandsFunding£10,000 to £25,000OpenNo closing date given
Grant for Highlands and Islands businesses researching, developing and testing a new digital or technology-led product, process or service, including software, SaaS, AI, platforms and apps. Minimum £10,000.
Who can apply
- Based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area
- Fewer than 50 employees (incl. community and social enterprises)
- Technology must be central to a new product, process or service
- Routine business advice, incremental improvement or general digital adoption not eligible
- Retail, hospitality, personal or general business services unlikely unless creating a new tech venture
- Fair Work conditions apply; pay costs upfront and claim in arrears
- Rolling while funds last; applications close May 2027 (exact day not published)
What it pays for
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning products
- Software development and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions
- Digital platforms, apps and online services
- Data innovation and data-driven products
- Robotics, automation and cobotics
- IoT, sensor-based and connected technology products
- Cyber security, AR/VR and immersive technologies
- Other technology-enabled products with proprietary IP, incl. emerging and deep tech
What it won’t pay for
- Projects previously funded by HIE
- Salary costs of payroll employees
- Placements
- Legal costs
- Travel and accommodation (generally excluded; case by case depending on location)
How to apply
- Complete HIE's enquiry form; a member of the HIE team will get in touch.
- Apply with an outline brief, evidence of at least three contractor quotes and justification for your chosen supplier.
- HIE appraises each case (need for funding, viability, ability to deliver, economic impact); intervention level is agreed during the application.
- If offered a grant, complete the work and pay suppliers upfront, then submit a claim; HIE pays in arrears.
What the quotes must show
- Provide an outline brief for the work, evidence of at least three quotes from potential contractors and justification for your choice
- Choose your own suppliers: HIE cannot recommend suppliers
- If you pay a supplier by business credit card, say so at application; the card must be paid before you claim
- Funding
- £10,000 to £25,000
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- At least three
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in Scotland, Software grants
Made Smarter Adoption (North West)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereNorth WestFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for North West manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Turnover under £36m or balance sheet under £18m
What it pays for
- Equipment to implement digital technology projects
- Specialist advice to implement projects
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Made Smarter Adoption (Yorkshire and the Humber)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereYorkshire and the HumberFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for Yorkshire and the Humber manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Turnover under £36m or balance sheet under £18m
- Projects must show clear additionality
- Grants are paid retrospectively
What it pays for
- Industry 4.0 technology adoption for projects identified through your digital assessment
- Consultant or academic expertise for targeted projects (up to 50% match funding)
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Made Smarter Adoption (East Midlands)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereEast MidlandsFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for East Midlands manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
What it pays for
- Equipment and/or specialist advice for Industrial Digital Technology projects
- Cognitive computing and AI (machine learning)
- Data and systems integration; big data and analytics
- Internet of Things (sensors, barcode, RFID etc.), mobile devices and wearables
- AR and VR; additive manufacturing; industrial cyber security
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Made Smarter Adoption (West Midlands)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereWest MidlandsFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for West Midlands manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Advanced manufacturing and engineering SMEs
What it pays for
- Digital technology equipment to implement projects
- Specialist advice to implement projects
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Made Smarter Adoption (South East)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereSouth EastFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for South East manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- A limited number of grants up to £50,000
- Annual turnover below £44m; under £315k State aid in last 3 years
- Not part of a larger group or owned by private equity
- Programme runs until end of March 2027
What it pays for
- Equipment (hardware or software)
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Made Smarter Adoption (South West)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereSouth WestFunding£1,000 to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for South West manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Registered or trading in the South West
- Grants between £1,000 and £20,000
What it pays for
- Expert advice from a technology specialist
- Purchase of new software and/or equipment
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- £1,000 to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Made Smarter Adoption (East of England)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereEast of EnglandFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for East of England manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Manufacturing SMEs in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire
- Page says only 10% of 2026-27 roadmaps remain
What it pays for
- Equipment
- Software
- Specialist expertise or services
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Made Smarter Adoption (London)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereLondonFundingUp to £20,000OpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for London manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- Minimum 50% applicant contribution
What it pays for
- New digital tools, systems or equipment
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- Up to £20,000
- Covers
- Covers up to 50% of costs
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
Technology Kickstart Grant (HIE DaTE)
Highlands and Islands EnterpriseWhereHighlands and IslandsFunding£2,000 to £10,000OpenNo closing date given
Early-stage R&D grant for founders and small businesses in the Highlands and Islands developing a new digital or technology-led minimum viable product, process or service. Covers a proportion of costs, minimum £2,000.
Who can apply
- Based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area
- Fewer than 50 employees (incl. community and social enterprises)
- Technology must be central to a new product, process or service
- Routine business advice, incremental improvement or general digital adoption not eligible
- Retail, hospitality, personal or general business services unlikely unless creating a new tech venture
- Fair Work conditions apply; pay costs upfront and claim in arrears
- Rolling while funds last; applications close May 2027 (exact day not published)
What it pays for
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning products
- Software development and software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions
- Digital platforms, apps and online services
- Data innovation and data-driven products
- Robotics, automation and cobotics
- IoT, sensor-based and connected technology products
- Cyber security, AR/VR and immersive technologies
- Other technology-enabled products with proprietary IP, incl. emerging and deep tech
What it won’t pay for
- Projects previously funded by HIE
- Salary costs of payroll employees
- Placements
- Legal costs
- Travel and accommodation (generally excluded; case by case depending on location)
How to apply
- Complete HIE's enquiry form; a member of the HIE team will get in touch.
- Apply with an outline brief, evidence of at least three contractor quotes and justification for your chosen supplier.
- HIE appraises each case (need for funding, viability, ability to deliver, economic impact); intervention level is agreed during the application.
- If offered a grant, complete the work and pay suppliers upfront, then submit a claim; HIE pays in arrears.
What the quotes must show
- Provide an outline brief for the work, evidence of at least three quotes from potential contractors and justification for your choice
- Choose your own suppliers: HIE cannot recommend suppliers
- If you pay a supplier by business credit card, say so at application; the card must be paid before you claim
- Funding
- £2,000 to £10,000
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- At least three
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in Scotland, Software grants
Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant (HIE DaTE)
Highlands and Islands EnterpriseWhereHighlands and IslandsFunding£2,000 to £5,000OpenNo closing date given
Grant towards paid specialist advice and mentoring for Highlands and Islands tech founders, such as technical scoping, product roadmaps, MVP requirements and technical feasibility. Minimum £2,000.
Who can apply
- Based in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area
- Fewer than 50 employees (incl. community and social enterprises)
- Technology must be central to a new product, process or service
- Routine business advice, incremental improvement or general digital adoption not eligible
- Retail, hospitality, personal or general business services unlikely unless creating a new tech venture
- Fair Work conditions apply; pay costs upfront and claim in arrears
- Rolling while funds last; applications close May 2027 (exact day not published)
What it pays for
- Technical scoping, product roadmap planning and advice on minimum viable product requirements
- Customer discovery, market research, market testing and competitor analysis
- Refining the business idea, value proposition and target market
- Business model development, pricing, commercial planning and go-to-market preparation
- Founder mentoring on start-up readiness and investment preparedness
- Specialist advice to prepare a business plan, action plan or investor-ready proposition
What it won’t pay for
- Projects previously funded by HIE
- Own time or salary costs of payroll employees
- Materials
- Placements
- Legal costs
- Travel and accommodation (generally excluded; case by case depending on location)
How to apply
- Complete HIE's enquiry form; a member of the HIE team will get in touch.
- Apply with an outline brief, evidence of at least three contractor quotes and justification for your chosen supplier.
- HIE appraises each case (need for funding, viability, ability to deliver, economic impact); intervention level is agreed during the application.
- If offered a grant, complete the work and pay suppliers upfront, then submit a claim; HIE pays in arrears.
What the quotes must show
- Identify up to three eligible consultants or mentors; provide evidence of at least three quotes and justification for your choice
- Choose your own supplier: HIE cannot recommend suppliers
- If you pay a supplier by business credit card, say so at application; the card must be paid before you claim
- Funding
- £2,000 to £5,000
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- At least three
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in Scotland, Software grants
Made Smarter Adoption (North East)
Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade)WhereNorth EastFundingSee the official pageOpenNo closing date given
Match-funded grant for North East manufacturing SMEs adopting digital technology, covering technology and advice identified through the Made Smarter assessment and digital roadmap.
Who can apply
- SME manufacturer with operations in the region
- Join the programme (assessment and digital roadmap) before applying for a grant
- SMEs (under 250 employees) in manufacturing and advanced manufacturing in the North East MSA and Tees Valley CA areas
What it pays for
- New technology and software
How to apply
- Register your business as a manufacturer on the regional Made Smarter page.
- A Made Smarter specialist assesses your business and runs a diagnostic or digital assessment.
- Build a digital transformation roadmap with the team.
- Apply for a match-funded grant for eligible projects identified in your roadmap.
- Funding
- See the official page
- Applications
- No closing date given
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in England, Software grants, Automation grants
SMART: SCOTLAND
Scottish EnterpriseWhereScotlandFundingSee the official pageOpening soonExpected late autumn 2026
Scottish Enterprise's SMART: SCOTLAND feasibility grant is on hold and not accepting applications. Scottish Enterprise says a new fund will launch in late autumn 2026; its terms aren't published yet.
Who can apply
- New fund's terms not yet published
- Previous round: Scottish SMEs with technically innovative feasibility projects with a commercial endpoint
- Previous round: management and technical resources could be in-house or brought in
How to apply
- Sign up for Scottish Enterprise's newsletter for updates on the new fund; no applications are being accepted now.
- Funding
- See the official page
- Applications
- Expected late autumn 2026
- Supplier quote
- Check the guidance
- Last checked
- 11 October 2026
More like thisGrants in Scotland, Software grants
ZeroPixel isn’t connected to any funder. Amounts, deadlines and rules change, so check the official page before you apply. The funder decides who gets funding.
Compare the schemes
Every open and upcoming scheme on one table. The share of costs is the most a grant will pay towards your project, and you fund the rest. Select a scheme to see its details.
| Scheme | Where | Funding | Share of costs | Stage | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Development Grant (HIE DaTE)Highlands and Islands Enterprise | Highlands and Islands | £10,000 to £25,000 | Not stated | Working prototype, Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (North West)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | North West | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (Yorkshire and the Humber)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | Yorkshire and the Humber | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (East Midlands)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | East Midlands | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (West Midlands)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | West Midlands | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (South East)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | South East | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (South West)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | South West | £1,000 to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (East of England)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | East of England | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (London)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | London | Up to £20,000 | Up to 50% | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| Technology Kickstart Grant (HIE DaTE)Highlands and Islands Enterprise | Highlands and Islands | £2,000 to £10,000 | Not stated | Just an idea, Working prototype | OpenNo closing date given |
| Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant (HIE DaTE)Highlands and Islands Enterprise | Highlands and Islands | £2,000 to £5,000 | Not stated | Just an idea, Working prototype | OpenNo closing date given |
| Made Smarter Adoption (North East)Made Smarter (Department for Business and Trade) | North East | See the official page | Not stated | Already trading | OpenNo closing date given |
| SMART: SCOTLANDScottish Enterprise | Scotland | See the official page | Not stated | Any stage | Opening soonExpected late autumn 2026 |
How many quotes each grant asks for
Some funders want more than one quote so they can compare prices. We write one. If your grant asks for more, the others have to come from other suppliers.
| Scheme | Where | Quotes needed |
|---|---|---|
| Technology Development Grant (HIE DaTE)Highlands and Islands Enterprise | Highlands and Islands | At least three |
| Technology Kickstart Grant (HIE DaTE)Highlands and Islands Enterprise | Highlands and Islands | At least three |
| Technology Advice and Mentoring Grant (HIE DaTE)Highlands and Islands Enterprise | Highlands and Islands | At least three |
Grants by nation and project
The same list, narrowed to where your business is or what you want to build, each with its own introduction.
Need a supplier quote?
Tell us about the project and the grant you’re applying for. You’ll have a fixed-price, grant-ready quote within 72 hours, free.