How to apply

Startup applications for 2021 are closed - register your interest to receive updates on the programme.

Benefits for startups

Made Smarter Technology Accelerator works with the UK’s best technology startups to help develop concepts and prototypes for industry-led challenges by offering access to:

Prototype funding

Up to £20,000 to develop a challenge focused proof-of-concept prototype and supporting material

Peer networking and support

Part of a cohort of up to 20 teams of talented innovators from across the technology sector

Business expertise

Support network of industrial and technology experts to help develop impactful proof of concepts and build new technology prototypes

Pitch and industry workshops

Focused workshops to help develop your concept and pitch to investors and manufacturers

Mentorship from technology and manufacturing specialists

The opportunity to work directly with and receive advice and support from our industrial sponsors and Digital Catapult expertise

Technical monitoring

Engineering expertise to increase confidence in the prototype build with relevance to the manufacturing sector – this monitoring also includes inputs from Digital Catapult technologists

Industry prototype presentation event

Opportunity to participate, pitch and host private demos and meetings with industrial sponsors at the event in June 2021

Minimum viable product (MVP) funding

The 20 successful cohort members will be eligible for further funding with up to £100,000 to progress the prototype into a minimum viable product

Partnerships

Access a wide range of perks offered by our Tech Sponsors and the potential to access new partnerships with Industry Challenge Owners

Read the open call brief

Your application must answer one of our industry-focused challenges. Find out more about the open call brief and what to expect and consider as a startup applicant.

Read about the challenges

Your application must answer one of our industry focused challenges. We want to understand how your prototype could help challenges set by Babcock International Group, BAE Systems, GAF, Northumbrian Water Group (NWG), O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Limited, Safran Landing Systems and Sainsbury’s.

Selection criteria

The technology innovators applying to join the prototyping phase are selected by Made Smarter Technology Accelerator and its partners, and they are requested to meet a set of requirements.

Terms and conditions

Applications and onboarding follow programme focused terms and conditions.

Got any questions about the programme

Read our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.

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