R&D Funding and Project Support
Helping innovative SMEs and startups turn ideas into funded R&D projects – and then keep those projects on track. From finding the right calls and writing applications to managing delivery, claims and exploitation plans.
What We Actually Do
Practical, hands-on support to identify funding, write applications, and manage funded R&D projects through to completion.
Core Services
1. Funding Search & Grant Strategy
Identify realistic funding options that match your idea, stage and capacity.
- • Scan relevant UK (and where appropriate EU) funding opportunities
- • Shortlist calls with a genuine fit (scope, timing, budget, TRL)
- • Give you a view of match-funding requirements and delivery expectations
2. Grant Application Planning & Writing
Work with your team to build a credible, fundable application.
- • Structure the project concept, work packages and timelines
- • Draft and refine answers for the main application sections
- • Challenge budget and resourcing so it looks realistic to reviewers
- • Coordinate inputs from partners where a consortium is needed
3. Post-Award Project & Financial Management
Once funded, help you stay compliant and avoid nasty surprises.
- • Set up a simple project plan and reporting calendar
- • Prepare claims and evidence that match funder expectations
- • Track costs against budget and flag issues early
- • Support responses to funder queries and monitoring visits
4. Exploitation Planning & Business Case Improvement
Help you sharpen the story beyond "we built some tech".
- • Clarify route-to-market and commercialisation milestones
- • Refine your value proposition and business model narrative
- • Align R&D outputs with your broader business strategy
Programmes We Commonly Work With
Supporting UK-based SMEs going for competitive innovation calls, typically in the £50k–£2m range. Typical programmes include:
Innovate UK and related UKRI competitions
£25,000 - £2,000,000
Smart Grants and sector-specific innovation competitions for game-changing innovations with commercial potential.
- • Industrial research: 70% grant + 30% match funding
- • Experimental development: 45% grant + 55% match funding
- • TRL 3-8 projects, 6-36 month duration
Sector-specific and regional innovation schemes
£50,000 - £500,000
Targeted programmes for specific industries, technologies or geographic areas with focused support.
- • Net Zero and cleantech programmes
- • Health and life sciences innovation
- • Regional growth and levelling-up funds
Selected European or international calls
Where there is a clear fit and manageable complexity for UK-based SMEs. These typically require multi-partner consortia and have higher administrative overhead.
Sector-Specific Innovation Funding
Net Zero Innovation
Clean energy, carbon capture, sustainable transport
Digital & AI Technologies
Machine learning, quantum computing, cybersecurity
Health & Life Sciences
Medical devices, biotechnology, digital health
Advanced Materials
Composites, graphene, smart materials
Space Technology
Satellites, launch systems, space applications
Advanced Manufacturing
Industry 4.0, robotics, additive manufacturing
Why Choose Braintomic for Innovation Funding?
- Professional grant application expertise with systematic approach
- £25k-£2M+ funding access across multiple programmes
- End-to-end grant management from application to project completion
- Expert sector knowledge across technology, healthcare, cleantech
- Strategic growth acceleration beyond just funding acquisition
Complementary Services
Technology implementation following successful funding
Our Proven Grant Application Process
Our expert team provides strategically crafted applications using our systematic 4-step methodology that delivers professionally developed submissions.
How We Work Together
Opportunity & Fit Check
Quick assessment of available calls and whether they genuinely match your idea, stage, and capacity to deliver.
Application Co-Design & Drafting
Working sessions + drafting so the application reflects your reality. Collaborative approach to build credible work packages, budgets, and narratives.
Submission & Final Checks
Align documents, check consistency and get it submitted on time. Final quality assurance before the deadline.
If Funded: Project Setup & Support
Help to set up project and financial management so you stay compliant. Ongoing support with claims, reporting, and funder liaison.
Featured Grant Programmes
Innovate UK Smart Grants
£25,000 - £2,000,000
The UK's premier innovation funding programme supporting game-changing and disruptive innovations with significant commercial potential and clear benefits to the UK economy.
Industrial Research
- • 70% grant funding + 30% match
- • TRL 3-6 development focus
- • Novel technology validation
Experimental Development
- • 45% grant funding + 55% match
- • TRL 6-8 demonstration
- • Market validation activities
ARIA Opportunity Seeds
£50,000 - £1,000,000
Revolutionary funding for breakthrough technology development with high-risk, high-reward potential. ARIA focuses on transformational research that could create entirely new technological capabilities.
- 100% grant funding with flexible terms
- Breakthrough technology focus
- Streamlined application process
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UK innovation funding and our grant application services.
What is the typical timeline for grant applications?
Grant application timelines vary by programme. Innovate UK Smart Grants typically take 4-6 weeks to prepare and 3-4 months for evaluation. ARIA applications can be faster with 2-3 week preparation and 6-8 week evaluation periods. We recommend starting 2-3 months before application deadlines.
What are the eligibility requirements for innovation grants?
Eligibility varies by programme but generally requires UK business registration, innovative technology with commercial potential, and ability to provide match funding where required. Most programmes are open to SMEs, while some support larger companies in collaboration. We provide detailed eligibility assessments during our initial consultation.
How much does grant application support cost?
Our fees are typically structured as a percentage of grant funding secured (success-based) or fixed-fee depending on the programme and scope. We provide transparent pricing before starting any work. Professional grant writing support enhances application quality and competitive positioning.
What happens if our application is unsuccessful?
We provide comprehensive feedback analysis and improvement recommendations for resubmission. Many programmes have multiple rounds per year, and unsuccessful applications can often be strengthened and resubmitted. Our systematic approach means we support clients through the resubmission process when needed.
Have more questions about innovation funding?
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