Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

Innovate UK is offering £1 million to £2 million in grant funding to establish a central convening body for the UK Robotics Adoption Hubs network.

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this 43-month project must start by 1 September 2026 and end by 31 March 2030.

The convening body will coordinate national robotics adoption efforts, close knowledge gaps, and support UK businesses in adopting robotics technologies to improve productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Robotics Adoption Hubs – Central Convening Body Competition

This funding opportunity supports the creation of a national coordinating organisation for the UK Robotics Adoption Hubs network.

The central convening body will:

• Coordinate physical Robotics Adoption Hubs across the UK

• Share knowledge across sectors and regions

• Support robotics adoption among UK businesses

• Act as a national information and coordination hub

The goal is to accelerate robotics adoption and strengthen the UK robotics ecosystem.

Strategic Purpose of the Competition

The initiative aims to address the knowledge gap slowing robotics adoption in UK industries.

Key national objectives include:

• Improving business productivity

• Enhancing workplace safety

• Increasing competitiveness

• Supporting sustainability goals

• Improving health outcomes

• Strengthening infrastructure

• Driving long-term economic growth

The Robotics Adoption Hubs will provide independent advice, practical demonstrations, and connections to suppliers and finance providers.

What Is the Central Convening Body?

The central convening body is a national coordination entity responsible for:

1. Connecting and aligning all Robotics Adoption Hubs

2. Acting as a secretariat for hub leader meetings

3. Developing shared materials and standardised branding

4. Hosting a programme website for enquiries

5. Publicising robotics adoption opportunities

6. Integrating international robotics learnings

7. Supporting all hubs equally across regions and sectors

8. Working toward long-term self-sustainability

It must serve as a trusted source of information on the UK robotics ecosystem, including:

• Robotics suppliers

• System integrators

• Training providers and courses

• Finance providers

Definition of Robotics (Scope of the Competition)

For this competition, robotics is broadly defined and includes:

• Drones operating on land, sea, and air

• Autonomous plant and service robots

• Industrial robots

• Automated machinery using sensors, actuators, and control software

Excluded:

• Purely software-based systems without physical robotic components

This definition ensures the focus remains on physical robotic systems and automation technologies.

Funding Details

Eligible projects must meet strict financial and timing criteria.

Funding parameters:

• Grant amount: £1 million to £2 million

• Project duration: 43 months

• Project start date: By 1 September 2026

• Project end date: 31 March 2030

• Projects must start on the first day of a month

• Work must not begin before the Grant Offer Letter is approved

Project work must:

• Be carried out in the UK

• Be exploited from or in the UK

• Include only eligible project costs

• Comply with Subsidy Control requirements

Who Is Eligible?

The lead organisation must be UK-registered.

Eligible lead applicants include:

• UK-registered businesses of any size

• Research and technology organisations (RTOs)

• Public sector organisations

• Academic institutions

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong existing connections with robotics stakeholders

• Sector expertise and credibility

• Capacity to manage national coordination

• A viable plan for self-sustainability by project end

Consortia applications are permitted where appropriate.

Required Application Content

Applicants must clearly outline:

1. How they will convene the national network of hubs

2. Their approach to acting as secretariat for hub leader meetings

3. Evidence of stakeholder relationships across robotics sectors

4. Governance and coordination model

5. Plans for branding, communication, and website development

6. Strategy for integrating international robotics insights

7. Financial and operational pathway to long-term sustainability

Applications must show strategic leadership capability and national impact.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Is UK-registered

• Meets funding size requirements

• Can deliver a 43-month project

• Complies with Subsidy Control rules

Step 2: Build a Strong Consortium (If Needed)

Consider partnerships with:

• Robotics research centres

• Industry associations

• Technology accelerators

• Regional innovation bodies

Ensure expertise covers governance, communication, robotics technology, and ecosystem engagement.

Step 3: Develop a National Coordination Plan

Clearly define:

• Hub governance structure

• Knowledge-sharing mechanisms

• Branding and communications strategy

• Secretariat operations

• Website and enquiry management system

• Sustainability model beyond 2030

Step 4: Prepare Financial Documentation

• Request between £1M–£2M

• Include only eligible project costs

• Demonstrate cost justification and value for money

Step 5: Submit Application via Innovate UK Portal

Submit before the published deadline.

No project activity should begin until the Grant Offer Letter is signed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following errors:

• Proposing purely software-based robotics solutions

• Failing to demonstrate national stakeholder engagement

• Ignoring sustainability beyond grant funding

• Starting project activity before formal approval

• Overlooking Subsidy Control compliance

• Weak governance or unclear coordination structures

• Underestimating communication and branding requirements

Strong applications demonstrate national reach, credibility, and operational readiness.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This competition is strategically important because it:

• Accelerates robotics adoption in UK industry

• Reduces adoption barriers for SMEs

• Improves UK competitiveness in automation

• Connects regional innovation ecosystems

• Strengthens supply chain coordination

• Enhances productivity and economic resilience

By centralising coordination, the UK can scale robotics adoption more efficiently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

Applicants must request between £1 million and £2 million.

2. How long can the project run?

Projects must run for 43 months and conclude by 31 March 2030.

3. Who can lead the project?

UK-registered businesses, RTOs, public sector organisations, and academic institutions may act as lead applicants.

4. Are international partners allowed?

Project work must be carried out in the UK, and results must be exploited from or in the UK.

5. What types of robotics are eligible?

Physical robotics systems including drones, industrial robots, and autonomous machinery. Purely software systems are excluded.

6. Can the project start immediately after submission?

No. Projects must not begin until Innovate UK approves the Grant Offer Letter.

7. Is long-term sustainability required?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate how the central convening body will become self-sustaining by the end of the project.

Conclusion

The Robotics Adoption Hubs Central Convening Body competition represents a major national investment in UK robotics coordination and adoption.

Backed by DSIT and delivered through Innovate UK under UKRI, this £1–£2 million funding opportunity will establish a central leadership entity to unify robotics hubs, close knowledge gaps, and strengthen the UK robotics ecosystem.

Organisations with national credibility, strong stakeholder networks, and a clear sustainability plan are well positioned to lead this transformative initiative and drive long-term impact across UK industry.

For more information, visit GOV.UK.