Innovate UK Opens Funding for Non-Animal Drug Testing Methods

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

Innovate UK invites organisations to develop and commercialise non-animal methods for pre-clinical pharmacokinetics (PK) and cardiovascular safety testing. Projects aim to reduce reliance on dogs and non-human primates, align with government targets, and accelerate adoption of innovative, non-animal approaches. Funding of up to £2 million is available for projects starting by 1 July 2026, lasting six to nine months, with a maximum project cost of £200,000.

Competition Overview

This competition supports organisations in creating disruptive, innovative alternatives for PK and cardiac safety studies. The primary goals are:

• Reduce animal testing in pre-clinical research

• Qualify non-animal methods for broader adoption in drug development

• Improve method applicability and reliability in pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular safety assessment

The initiative supports the UK government targets:

• >35% reduction in dedicated PK studies using dogs or NHPs by 2030

• >50% reduction in dedicated cardiovascular safety studies using dogs or NHPs by 2030

Project Requirements

• Start Date: 1 July 2026

• End Date: 31 March 2027

• Duration: 6–9 months

• Maximum Project Cost: £200,000 (including VAT)

• Projects must start on the first of the month and cannot commence until Innovate UK contract approval

• Only eligible project costs should be included; any deviations require prior approval 10 working days before the competition closes

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

• Organisations of any size

• Based in the UK, EU, EEA, or internationally

• Can work alone or subcontract specialist expertise from:

  • Other businesses

  • Research organisations

  • Research and technology organisations (RTOs)

  • Third-sector entities (charities, social enterprises)

Project Execution

• Contracts awarded to a single legal entity

• Majority of project work and key deliverables must be completed in the UK

• Subcontractors may be engaged for specialist skills only

Funding Details

• Total Innovate UK Investment: up to £2 million

• Funding is subject to the quality and number of applications

• Competition delivered in partnership with NC3Rs

• Assessment: Joint evaluation by Innovate UK and NC3Rs

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Proposal

• Develop project plan demonstrating innovative non-animal PK or cardiovascular methods

• Include timeline, deliverables, and eligibility of costs

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure applicant organisation meets size and location criteria

• Confirm that majority of work will be performed in the UK

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submit via Innovate UK’s official application portal

• Include all required financial and technical details

Step 4: Assessment

• Applications evaluated based on:

  • Innovation and scientific merit

  • Feasibility and deliverables

  • Potential to reduce animal use in pre-clinical studies

  • Alignment with government reduction targets

Why This Competition Matters

• Supports ethical and sustainable research by reducing animal testing

• Encourages innovation in drug development methods

• Accelerates adoption of non-animal PK and cardiovascular testing in the UK

• Contributes to global scientific standards and regulatory acceptance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects exceeding £200,000 total cost

• Not obtaining prior approval for ineligible costs

• Failing to start on the first day of the month

• Including too much work outside the UK

• Ignoring the eligibility of subcontractors or specialist collaborators

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Organisations of any size from the UK, EU, EEA, or internationally.

2. What is the maximum project cost?

£200,000, including VAT.

3. What is the project duration?

6–9 months, starting no later than 1 July 2026.

4. Can subcontractors be used?

Yes, for specialist skills, but the majority of work must be done in the UK.

5. How much funding is available in total?

Up to £2 million, subject to application quality.

6. What are the government reduction targets?

35% reduction in PK studies using dogs/NHPs and >50% reduction in cardiovascular studies using dogs/NHPs by 2030.

7. Who assesses the applications?

Innovate UK and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) jointly assess proposals.

Conclusion

The Innovate UK 2026 competition offers organisations a strategic opportunity to develop innovative non-animal methods for pharmacokinetics and cardiovascular safety studies. By funding high-quality projects aligned with government reduction targets, the initiative accelerates ethical research, enhances drug development practices, and positions the UK as a leader in sustainable pre-clinical science.

For more information, visit GOV.UK.