Robotics Adoption Programme Ski

Animal Research Rule: Projects involving animals must comply with UKRI guidance on animal welfare.

Appendices Required: Appendix for industry skills evidence. Appendix for approach. Team summary appendix. Commercialisation strategy and continuity plan. Risk register. Project plan or Gantt chart.

Application Limit: An organisation can lead on one application and collaborate in two further applications. If not leading, it can collaborate in up to three applications.

Application Platform: Innovation Funding Service

Application Sections: Project details. Application questions. Finances. Project Impact.

Assessment Process: Reviewed by three independent assessors. Portfolio approach may be applied.

Co-Funder: Department of Science, Innovation and Technology

Collaboration Rules: Open to single applicants or collaborations. If the lead is not a business, it must collaborate with at least one UK registered business. No partner may account for more than 70% of total eligible costs.

Competitiveness: Approximately 20% chance of success based on similar competitions.

Decision Risks: Portfolio approach may limit awards. Outstanding payments to Innovate UK may affect decision. Funding subject to sufficient high quality applications.

Decision Timeline: Applicants notified 22 April 2026.

Eligible Expenses: Eligible project costs only. Must comply with Innovate UK project cost guidance.

Eligible Scope: Development of robotics training content and materials. Must address robotics industrial skills shortages. Must demonstrate strong industrial links. Must commit to maintaining the resource for at least three years after project completion. Must provide new training opportunities not already available.

Funding Intensity: Up to 45% for micro or small organisations. Up to 35% for medium organisations. Up to 25% for large organisations. Research organisations undertaking non economic activity can share up to 70% of total eligible project costs. RTOs, charities, not for profits and public sector organisations can receive up to 100% of eligible costs. Je-S registered academic institutions can receive 80% FEC.

Important Notes: Projects must not start before Grant Offer Letter approval. Funding allocation may be adjusted. Financial viability checks apply.

Ineligible Projects: Projects not related to robotics skills and training. Robotics CR&D projects. Purely software projects with no hardware element. Projects dependent on export performance or domestic input usage.

Interview Stage: Not specified

Key Requirements: Must demonstrate industry driven need. Must show how training increases awareness and capacity. Must provide continuity plan for minimum three years post funding. Must start project on first of the month.

Match Funding Requirement: Required. Organisation must fund the balance of eligible project costs not covered by grant.

Project Duration: 3 to 6 months

Project End Date: Must end by 31 January 2027

Project Start Date: Must start by 1 August 2026

Publication Date: 2026-02-03 00:00:00

Renewal Rules: Previously assessed applications can be resubmitted once if not materially different.

Research Category: Experimental development

Sanctions Rule: Funding will not be provided where it breaches UK sanctions.

Subcontractors: Allowed. Overseas subcontractors must be justified. Lower cost alone is not sufficient reason.

Subsidy Scheme: Awarded under the Research, Development and Innovation Streamlined Subsidy Scheme SC10780 under the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Classified as a Subsidy. Not part of Minimal Financial Assistance or De Minimis allowance.

Total Fund Available: £2,500,000