Read end-to-end by a FundingAtlas editor against the official source.
Quick answer
Specialist Catapult support for late-stage R&D and commercialisation. Access to the UK Catapult Network of technology and innovation centres supporting late-stage R&D and commercialisation. It is aimed at UK businesses tackling deep-tech or sector-specific innovation. Eligibility typically requires UK businesses working with a Catapult on eligible R&D or commercialisation projects. Application: Engagement timelines vary by Catapult.
Funding amount
Varies
Region
United Kingdom
Stage
Growth
Provider
Innovate UK
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Catapult Network Support for?
- UK businesses tackling deep-tech or sector-specific innovation.
- How much funding is available through Catapult Network Support?
- Funding is variable by call and project scope. Exact amounts depend on project scope, eligibility, and the live call. Always confirm current figures on the official provider page before applying.
- How long does the Catapult Network Support application take?
- Engagement timelines vary by Catapult.
- What are the main alternatives to Catapult Network Support?
- Consider other Innovate UK programmes, options on the Innovation Funding Pathway, and adjacent routes discussed in our Regional Funding vs National Funding comparison.
- What happens after a successful Catapult Network Support application?
- Catapult scopes engagement model and any co-funding.
- What are the most common mistakes when applying for Catapult Network Support?
- Early-stage idea with no project definition.
Who it's for
UK businesses tackling deep-tech or sector-specific innovation.
Usually too early when
Advisor signal
Apply before you can clearly articulate the project scope, evidence of fit with Innovate UK's priorities, and a credible delivery plan. Businesses earlier than the growth stage typically struggle to evidence the operational thresholds assessors look for.
Eligibility
UK businesses working with a Catapult on eligible R&D or commercialisation projects.
Evidence you'll need
Project outline and technical scope.
Application timeline
Engagement timelines vary by Catapult.
Common reasons applications fail
Early-stage idea with no project definition.
What improves your odds
Strong alignment with Innovate UK's published priorities. A specific, measurable project with named deliverables and timelines. Evidence the team can deliver — relevant prior projects, named technical leads, and secured (not hoped-for) match funding where required. Clear quantified impact: jobs, productivity, exports, emissions reduction or commercial outcomes appropriate to the scheme.
Typical successful applicant
A UK-based organisation that already meets the eligibility criteria for Catapult Network Support on paper, has prior delivery experience relevant to Innovate UK, and can evidence the stated impact within the funding window.
Common misconceptions
That Catapult Network Support is a quick or guaranteed source of capital. It is not — assessment is competitive and most applicants are unsuccessful. That a strong application can be drafted in days; in practice, competitive submissions take weeks of preparation, evidence gathering, and internal sign-off.
What happens next
Catapult scopes engagement model and any co-funding.
What comes next
On a successful award: deliver against the agreed milestones, build the evidence base for follow-on funding (commercial pilots, larger grants, debt or equity), and document outcomes that strengthen the next application. On rejection: request feedback, address the specific weaknesses, and consider an adjacent scheme on the Innovation Funding Pathway before re-applying.
Funding context
Catapult Network Support sits within Innovate UK's wider funding remit. Treat it as one option on the Innovation Funding Pathway; the right route depends on stage, project type and what comes next commercially. Use it alongside, not instead of, complementary support.
Related routes
- Arts Council Project Grants
- Accelerated Growth Programme
- Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)
- Industrial Energy Transformation Fund
- Innovation Funding Pathway
- Scale-Up Funding Pathway
- Regional Funding vs National Funding
- R&D Tax Relief vs Innovate UK Smart Grants
- Am I too early for Innovate UK?
- How to fund deep tech
Industries
Objectives
Regions