Innovate UK

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Mike Biddle

Programme Director of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Will Drury

Executive Director, Digital and Technologies

Paul Gadd

Deputy Director

Dr. Tom Jenkins

Deputy Director

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Nigel Walker

Deputy Director, Lending and Investor Partnerships

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Business Development

MySalesCoach

Grant in 2025
MySalesCoach is a technology company that provides a digital platform for sales coaching. Despite the proven impact of coaching on sales representative development and success, managers often lack sufficient time to effectively coach their teams. MySalesCoach addresses this challenge by connecting sales coaches with teams in need of instruction, offering services to support both individuals and groups. The platform enables time-strapped sales managers to provide technological assistance, fostering growth and maximizing sales outcomes for their teams.

CarbonLaces

Grant in 2024
CarbonLaces is a climate-focused fintech company that facilitates the flow of capital for decarbonization projects. It achieves this by providing transparent, data-driven insights and AI-powered tools, bridging the gap between investors seeking climate impact and projects in need of financing. The company aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the built environment and foster sustainable, resilient communities.

CircKit

Seed Round in 2024
CircKit is the AI-driven B2B SaaS platform that empowers fashion & textiles brands to unlock new growth from circular design. Design sustainable products, make smarter material and production choices, measure and track social & environmental indicators, and meet urgent compliance with ease. By harmonising data and enabling collaborative working across teams, CircKit supports brands to reduce costs, increase profit & unlock revenue from circular design and lucrative end-of-life ‘closed loop’ initiatives. CircKit also powers one of the UK's largest sustainable lifestyle marketplaces, as the destination for brands to reach consumers of Fashion and lifestyle products (Beauty, Food & Drink, Home and Wellness)... __________ Veo® is the marketplace for sustainable lifestyle™. Veo took a tech-first approach to build the world's largest and most sustainable online shopping platform. We have solved the scalability problem inherent in large platforms, and created the lifestyle destination for conscious consumers to discover a world of unique, independent, sustainable brands all in one place. We thoroughly assess and vet all our products and brands, we do the research so you don't have to. That's why we've been Ethical Consumer's most ethical retailer for the last 3 consecutive years running and recognised as a global Top 5% Certified B Corporation, with a score of 130.6 and prestigious ‘Best For The World'. We developed our industry-leading assessment matrix which qualifies and approves the full life cycle of products from brands to join the platform. This instils critical consumer trust and assurance for becoming the world's largest, most sustainable lifestyle shopping platform. Our mission is to revolutionise retail, empowering businesses and consumers to embrace circular and regenerative consumption and production (SDG 12). __________ *most sustainable as Ethical Consumer's top-rated 'ethical online retailer' **largest by number of brands & SKUs

University of Salford

Grant in 2024
Established with a clear vision to excel in teaching, research, innovation and engagement, Salford Business School enjoys an excellent national and international reputation for its courses, teaching quality and the progression of students into responsible positions across a variety of industries. Their emphasis of combining a highly contemporary curriculum with a range of professional development opportunities provides a mix of academic and hands on development.

Sum Vivas

Grant in 2023
Sum Vivas is a company that specializes in the development of AI-powered digital humans, offering businesses an innovative approach to enhance customer engagement through immersive experiences. The company creates interactive and highly realistic digital representations of individuals, along with virtual environments, apparel, and 3D digital assets, which can be utilized in both physical and digital settings. By leveraging its platform, organizations can produce digital doubles, facilitating improved customer service and potentially increasing sales. Sum Vivas aims to transform the user experience by blending technology with creativity, providing solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses and their customers.

Captivise

Grant in 2023
Captivise is an end-to-end B2B Lead Gen mapping platform.

myGwork

Grant in 2023
myGwork is a business community dedicated to promoting workplace equality for LGBT+ professionals and graduates. It serves as a global networking hub, offering a job board where members can connect with inclusive employers, find job opportunities, and access mentorship and professional events. The organization aims to empower the LGBT+ community by providing a safe space for personal and professional growth. In addition to its core offerings, myGwork provides training to corporate partners on best inclusion practices and organizes events, including an annual job fair, to further support its members. The company has received recognition for its contributions to the LGBT+ community, including awards for its founders and recognition as a leading startup in the field.

ESG Bay

Grant in 2023
ESG Bay is a developer of a self-assessment platform focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. The platform simplifies the process of measuring ESG impacts, allowing businesses to produce clear and concise assessments. Designed for ease of use, even for those new to ESG reporting, ESG Bay utilizes straightforward and universal matrices to help organizations identify their priorities. This approach not only facilitates effective reporting but also aids businesses in mitigating risks by pinpointing and addressing potential ESG issues.

Equality Group

Grant in 2023
Equality Group is a consulting organization established in 2018 and based in London, United Kingdom. It specializes in diversifying businesses across finance, technology, and social impact sectors. The firm offers a range of services, including executive search, strategic consultancy, and inclusion education. Additionally, Equality Group has developed Honordex, a data platform that benchmarks and ranks companies based on their equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) performance. Through these services and tools, Equality Group aims to enhance organizational effectiveness and promote a more inclusive business environment.

Digit Music

Grant in 2023
Digit Music, established to foster diversity and inclusion in the music industry, manufactures innovative musical instruments and controllers. Their products aim to make music creation accessible and enjoyable, with features like intuitive controls, integrated music theory, and plug-and-play functionality. This enables DJs, beat makers, and aspiring musicians to enhance their skills and express their creativity. The company's work is supported by the Innovate UK Inclusive Innovation Award.

Flint Innovation

Grant in 2023
Flint Innovation is a consulting firm that tailors its services to the needs of persons who have hidden disabilities.

Elucidare

Grant in 2023
Elucidare is a boutique technology development and investment advisory business.

Sub-10

Seed Round in 2022
Sub-10 offers a digital learning platform that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance employee engagement and drive business growth. The platform is designed to help organizations maximize their employees' potential by providing tailored learning experiences that align with individual preferences and performance levels. It features a dynamic library of educational units that adapts to the specific needs of each learner, including role-based requirements and preferred learning styles. By facilitating customized learning paths, Sub-10 enables companies to improve compliance, knowledge, and skills among their workforce, ultimately supporting organizational development and career advancement for employees.

SeeQC

Grant in 2021
SeeQC, Inc. is a semiconductor company specializing in the development of a digital quantum computing platform aimed at global businesses. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Elmsford, New York, the company designs, tests, and manufactures quantum-ready superconductors and application-specific quantum computing systems. Its innovative approach combines classical and quantum technologies to enhance the efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness of quantum computing systems. SeeQC integrates superconducting qubit chips, proprietary Single Flux Quantum technology, and application-specific integrated circuits to create a commercially viable quantum computing solution. The company serves various industries, including machine learning, logistics optimization, quantum chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and fintech, catering to clients in the United States and Europe. With additional facilities in London and Naples, SeeQC aims to facilitate access to scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing applications, thereby addressing the growing demand for advanced computational capabilities.

SETsquared Partnership

Grant in 2021
SETsquared Partnership is a collaborative initiative established in 2001, based in Southampton, United Kingdom. It brings together the universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, and Surrey to foster the growth of high-tech startups and new business ventures. The organization specializes in enterprise activities, including business incubation, spin-outs, and licensing. SETsquared provides comprehensive support to startups through mentoring, access to investors and industry experts, and tailored training programs. Additionally, it engages in research collaboration and consultancy with various industries, enhancing the innovation ecosystem in the region.

Greener

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Greener operates a business-to-business sustainability matchmaking platform designed to facilitate connections among companies seeking sustainable partners. By leveraging mathematical algorithms, the platform enables businesses to discover and collaborate with suitable sustainability partners, fostering the growth of genuinely sustainable supply chains. Greener aims to support the transition to a zero-carbon economy, empowering small businesses to learn from a global network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Through its innovative approach, Greener strives to build a sustainable future by enhancing collaboration and sharing best practices among businesses dedicated to sustainability.

Yardlink

Grant in 2020
Yardlink is a B2B procurement platform designed specifically for the construction industry, founded in 2018 and headquartered in London, England. The platform facilitates contractors' access to essential resources, including tools, equipment, bulk materials, fuel, waste management, and various service providers. By streamlining the procurement process, Yardlink enables contractors to find, book, and pay for necessary supplies efficiently. Additionally, the platform contributes to sustainability efforts by connecting contractors with approved local suppliers, thereby helping to reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects. Yardlink's technology also optimizes equipment rental by aggregating supply and improving access to the closest rental options, making it easier for builders to manage their equipment needs.

AimHi Earth

Grant in 2020
AimHi Earth operates a sustainability training platform, offering live and online sessions to inspire and educate large teams within organizations. Their goal is to empower these teams to drive tangible behavior change and achieve their sustainability objectives, ultimately contributing to a healthier, cooler, and more verdant future.

Hived

Grant in 2020
Hived is a sustainable parcel delivery business focused on transforming the logistics industry for the modern era. It offers zero-emission delivery services designed to make the shipping process greener, more affordable, and efficient. By employing vertical integration and innovative operational processes, Hived aims to create a comprehensive parcel delivery network that meets the needs of both shippers and recipients, while minimizing waste and carbon emissions. The company emphasizes providing enhanced visibility and insights throughout the delivery process, ensuring a superior post-purchase experience for customers.

WeFarm

Grant in 2020
WeFarm Limited, established in 2015, operates a unique agricultural platform that facilitates knowledge sharing among small-scale farmers worldwide. The company enables farmers to ask questions and receive crowd-sourced answers via SMS, connecting them with other farmers and relevant agribusinesses or micro-finance institutions. WeFarm's platform is accessible both online and offline, making it particularly useful for farmers with limited internet access. Headquartered in London, the company has field offices in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam, serving farmers across Africa and beyond. WeFarm has been recognized for its innovative approach, receiving awards such as FastCompany's Most Innovative Companies in Africa and Google's Impact Challenge Award.

Juhudi Kilimo

Grant in 2020
Juhudi Kilimo Company Limited is a Nairobi-based organization that specializes in providing asset financing, technical assistance, and business training services to smallholder farmers and small-to-medium agro-businesses in Kenya. Founded in 2004, the company offers financing options for various agricultural needs, including livestock such as dairy cows, goats, poultry, pigs, and fish farming. Additionally, it finances agricultural equipment, including irrigation systems and agro-processing machinery, as well as vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles for transporting farm goods. By offering these financial products and services, Juhudi Kilimo aims to improve the livelihoods of rural farmers and micro-entrepreneurs, empowering them with the resources and knowledge necessary for sustainable agricultural practices and business growth.

Bodyswaps

Grant in 2020
Bodyswaps is a London-based platform founded in 2019 that specializes in immersive training solutions for organizations and educational institutions. The company leverages a combination of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and behavioral science to create realistic workplace simulations that facilitate the development of soft skills. By allowing learners to engage in roleplay scenarios with virtual characters using their own voice, Bodyswaps enhances the effectiveness of training while ensuring scalability and cost-efficiency. The platform also offers personalized recommendations based on individual performance, thereby fostering deep and lasting behavioral change. Through its innovative approach, Bodyswaps aims to upskill workforces rapidly and effectively, addressing the evolving demands of the modern workplace.

Bodyswaps

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Bodyswaps is a London-based platform founded in 2019 that specializes in immersive training solutions for organizations and educational institutions. The company leverages a combination of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and behavioral science to create realistic workplace simulations that facilitate the development of soft skills. By allowing learners to engage in roleplay scenarios with virtual characters using their own voice, Bodyswaps enhances the effectiveness of training while ensuring scalability and cost-efficiency. The platform also offers personalized recommendations based on individual performance, thereby fostering deep and lasting behavioral change. Through its innovative approach, Bodyswaps aims to upskill workforces rapidly and effectively, addressing the evolving demands of the modern workplace.

Cambridge Spark

Grant in 2019
Cambridge Spark is a prominent provider of personalized data science training, focusing on equipping organizations with the skills needed for digital transformation. The company offers a range of educational programs, including intensive boot camps, graduate schemes, and apprenticeships, all designed to enhance workforce capabilities in data science and artificial intelligence. These training solutions are delivered by industry and academic experts, ensuring high-quality instruction. Additionally, Cambridge Spark utilizes its proprietary AI-powered educational platform to facilitate tailored corporate training, helping organizations achieve their specific business goals through effective workforce development.

Storm ID

Grant in 2018
Storm ID is an award-winning digital consultancy that partners with ambitious, forward thinking clients, helping them transform processes and experiences as well as re-imagine legacy business models. The team at Storm ID are passionate about rethinking the future, combining their expertise in transformation consultancy with fast, agile delivery to create great user experiences that make a measurable difference.

Rewarding Visits

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Rewarding Visits is an online platform that enables businesses to connect with customers. The platform offers its users with touchpoints, self-service kiosks that enables businesses to connect with consumers. Businesses can provide their information to the platform in order to increase recognition. Rewarding Visits was founded in 2012 by Martin Watson and John Cutler and is based in Birmingham.

whatimpact.com

Whatimpact is a UK-based social impact startup that operates an AI-enhanced software platform designed to assist companies in planning, implementing, and reporting on their social value activities. This two-sided marketplace addresses the growing demand for compliance with social value regulations, particularly in the context of tender submissions influenced by the UK government's Social Value Act and similar regulations emerging in several EU countries and the U.S. The platform aims to streamline corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, maximizing their impact by ensuring that resources are directed to the most deserving recipients. By leveraging artificial intelligence for matchmaking and reporting, Whatimpact enhances transparency and efficiency in social value delivery. The company is supported by a network of angel investors and has received backing from Innovate UK. Its core team is composed entirely of women, supplemented by a network of freelancers and service providers.
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