Public sector buyers set innovation challenges; companies bid to develop solutions. DfE and other education-adjacent bodies periodically issue SBRI challenges. 100% funded (contract not grant) and you keep the IP.
Provider
Innovate UK / various UK public sector bodies
Provider type
Government procurement
Category
UK non-dilutive (contract, not grant)
Amount
Typically 50k-100k Phase 1 feasibility, 500k-1M Phase 2 prototype development
Deadline
Rolling challenges published on IFS portal
Eligibility
UK-registered SMEs and larger businesses. Solutions developed for specific public sector challenges.