Funding
You may not have to pay for all of it
Most SMEs don't realise AI adoption can be part-funded. Between Innovate UK grants, current DSIT/UKRI AI-adoption calls, R&D tax credits and regional schemes, there are real routes to bring the cost down — and we help you find the ones worth exploring.
Funding map
UK funding routes for AI adoption
A starting map of the schemes UK SMEs use to fund AI projects in 2026. Amounts, eligibility and deadlines change often — treat this as a shortlist to explore, not a guarantee.
Innovate UK grants
25–70% of project cost
The UK's largest innovation grants, run by UKRI. Competitive calls open through the year across digital, manufacturing and health — many now cover AI R&D. Best suited to ambitious, genuinely novel projects.
Official guidance: ukri.orgDSIT / UKRI AI-adoption calls
Varies by call
Government support for business AI adoption is announced through DSIT and UKRI, and SME-facing calls open and close through the year. There is no single evergreen scheme — check GOV.UK and UKRI for currently open AI-adoption competitions before planning around one.
Official guidance: gov.uk · DSITSME R&D tax credit
15% payable cash credit
If your AI project involves genuine technical uncertainty, part of the spend can qualify — but routine implementation of off-the-shelf tools doesn't: HMRC looks for an attempted advance in the field, not just in your business. Claimed through your Company Tax Return; run it past your accountant.
Official guidance: gov.uk · HMRCDigital innovation hubs
Free advisory support
Regional hubs offering free technology scouting, advice and proof-of-concept help. A sensible, no-cost first step before committing to a paid project.
Official guidance: gov.uk · find supportRegional growth funds
Typically £5k–£50k
Some local partnerships and combined authorities offer regional grants for technology adoption. Availability varies by area — worth a quick local check via the GOV.UK business-support finder.
Official guidance: gov.uk · find supportEIS / SEIS
Investor relief of 30–50%
If you're an early-stage company raising capital to build an AI product, EIS/SEIS make your round far more attractive to investors.
Official guidance: gov.uk · HMRCHow we help
We're AI specialists who keep funding in view
We scope it to fit
We shape the project so it maps cleanly to a fundable category — without bending it away from what your business actually needs.
We point you to the right route
From your assessment and Discovery, we flag which schemes realistically fit your project, sector and stage — and which aren't worth the effort.
We help with the narrative
We help articulate the innovation, technical uncertainty and outcomes a grant or R&D claim needs. You — or your accountant — make the submission.
An honest note
We're AI specialists, not grant writers or tax advisers — and programme details, amounts and deadlines change frequently. We'll help you spot the routes worth exploring and shape the project to fit, then point you to the official GOV.UK pages and your accountant to confirm eligibility and apply.
Not sure where you stand?
The free AI Readiness Assessment scores you 0–100 in three minutes and recommends the next step. No signup to start.