Efficient, Structured and Controllable AI Systems

Efficient, Structured and Controllable AI Systems is an Innovate UK competition designed to support the development of next-generation artificial intelligence technologies. Up to £1.66 million is available to help UK SMEs validate innovative AI mechanisms that could form the foundations of future AI and machine learning systems.

The competition is particularly suited to research-intensive AI start-ups, deep-tech SMEs, university spinouts and pre-commercial businesses developing proprietary AI technology. Projects must focus on novel advances such as adaptive learning systems, graph-native architectures, causal and intervention-based models, compositional AI mechanisms or technologies that deliver measurable control over AI agents.

Projects must have total costs between £50,000 and £150,000, last between one and three months, and start from an early-stage Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 1, 2 or 3. Applicants are expected to demonstrate technical progress through prototype development, testing, validation and evidence against defined performance measures.

Only UK-registered SMEs can apply as lead organisations. Project work must be carried out mainly in the UK, with applicants intending to exploit the results commercially in the UK. Funding is awarded as a grant through the Innovate UK application process.

Read the guidance here before applying.