Manufacturers across Greater Lincolnshire are being encouraged to take a closer look at a new Innovate UK competition designed to strengthen and future proof UK supply chains.
The Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Innovation CR&D competition is now open. Offering a share of up to £6.5 million for collaborative research and development projects. For ambitious local firms, it presents a chance to scale innovation, enter new markets and build stronger links across sectors.
A strong fit for local strengths
Greater Lincolnshire has a diverse manufacturing base, from agri-tech and food processing to engineering, energy and materials. This competition is geared towards exactly that kind of cross-sector capability.
Projects must bring together partners and show how an idea developed in one industry can be applied in others. That could mean adapting automation used in food production for aerospace or applying sensor technology from agriculture into battery manufacturing.
The focus is on five key areas. These include digital manufacturing and industrial AI, robotics and automation, additive manufacturing, power electronics, and measurement and sensing technologies.
To be eligible, projects must involve at least two different advanced manufacturing sectors and include an active end user such as a major manufacturer or Tier 1 supplier. The aim is to ensure innovations are grounded in real world demand and can be adopted at scale.
Funding to support ambitious projects
Projects can apply for between £250,000 and £1 million in grant funding, covering up to 70 percent of eligible costs depending on the size of the business.
They must run for between 12 and 36 months, starting in October 2026 and completing by September 2029. Each consortium must be led by a UK registered business, with no single partner taking more than 70 percent of the total project costs.
Crucially, applications need to demonstrate clear impact. That includes improving productivity, increasing resilience in supply chains, or making better use of resources.
Why it matters now
With ongoing pressures around cost, skills and supply chain disruption, manufacturers are looking for ways to do more with less while staying competitive.
This competition is not just about developing new technologies. It is about connecting ideas, partners and industries to unlock growth across the wider manufacturing ecosystem.
For Greater Lincolnshire businesses, it is an opportunity to build collaborations beyond the region while showcasing local expertise on a national stage.
Apply now
Manufacturers interested in applying should start building partnerships and shaping project ideas as soon as possible.
The competition is open now and closes at 11am on 10 June 2026.
Find out more and apply via the Innovate UK Business Connect website.