The Smart Manufacturing Data Hub announces the launch of the Digital Innovation Fund.
Date: September 29th, 2023
“The United Kingdom's manufacturing sector, particularly it’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is set to undergo a boost as the Smart Manufacturing Data Hub announces the launch of a Digital Innovation Fund (DIF), a targeted challenge fund aimed at empowering and propelling the nation's SME manufacturers into the digital era.”
Simon Coward, SMDH Hub Director.
Elevating SME Manufacturers in the Digital Landscape
SMEs have long been the bedrock of the UK economy, comprising a vast array of industries and contributing significantly to job creation and innovation. In today's digital age, maintaining a competitive edge requires embracing cutting-edge technologies, which can be a challenge for smaller businesses. Recognising this, SMDH is delivering a tailored support program with a Digital Innovation Fund, to support SME manufacturers in their quest for digital excellence.
Digital Innovation Fund (DIF) - Open Calls
The DIF is funded by Innovate UK through the Made Smarter Initiative and is open to SME manufacturers, industrial partners and Research and Technology Organisations in the UK and the DIF will operate 3 calls:
1. Rapid Demonstrators
This call focuses on developing rapid demonstrator solutions that enable SMEs to advance their smart manufacturing journeys, de-risking major investment yet enabling growth. This funding aims to support SMEs with sensor installation, data analysis or similar to enable levelling-up the opportunities for SMEs across the UK to exceed and expand.
The DIF is open to any SME operating in the manufacturing sector which can demonstrate demand for a new data driven solution. Grant funding of up to £50,000 will be provided to enable UK based SMEs to develop their bespoke concepts into a market ready solution for testing and deployment within their organisations.
2. National Digital Twin and Virtual Manufacturing Testbeds
Funding is available to existing manufacturing related testbeds across all regions of the UK. This funding aims to provide financial support and opportunities for institutions and organisations to bring these facilities to the SMDH community and enable SMEs to utilise them. This not only broadens the suite of testbeds available to industry, but it also supports national assets and university resources, increasing opportunities for knowledge exchange throughout the UK.
The DIF is open to applications from any pre-existing manufacturing-related testbed where SME demand can be demonstrated. Grant funding of up to £100,000 will be provided to enable the testbed to be virtualised for nationwide utilisation by SMEs.
3. National LightHouse Projects:
This call focuses on establishing Lighthouse Projects that will enable SMEs to embark on a smart manufacturing journey, de-risking major investment yet enabling growth. The programme seeks applications from parties (either individual organisations or consortia) interested in developing already proven digital products and processes into readily accessible solutions which meet the needs of manufacturing SMEs across the UK.
The DIF is open to any industrial or professional sector organisation which can provide skills, support or solutions for manufacturing SMEs. Grant funding of up to £315,000 will be provided to enable development of the concept into a market ready solution for deployment and dissemination to SMEs.
How can UK SME Manufacturers, Industrial Partners and RTOs get involved?
All organisations can initiate the process by visiting the Digital Innovation Fund's webpage. Here, they will find comprehensive details on each of the Open Calls, along with guidance on the application process and eligibility criteria.
A Digital Future for UK SME Manufacturers
The Digital Innovation Fund's support for SME manufacturers in the UK underscores a commitment to fostering inclusive digital transformation. By empowering these vital economic contributors, DIF is not only securing their future but also strengthening the resilience and innovation capacity of the UK as a whole.
UK-based SME manufacturers, industrial partners and RTOs are encouraged to explore the opportunities presented by this initiative and take the necessary steps toward a digitally advanced and prosperous future.
For comprehensive details and to initiate the application process, please visit the Digital Innovation Fund's UK webpage at smdh.uk/funding
The Made Smarter Innovation | Smart Manufacturing Data Hub is a £50 million programme with a vision to transform UK manufacturing through unlocking the value of manufacturing data and de-risking innovation. More information can be found at smdh.uk.