Setting the challenges and taking startup pre-registrations of interest

During this phase we're onboarding our industrial partners and completing workshops to set the programme challenges. For startups at this stage we're taking pre-registrations of interest to join the programme.

Startup applications open

Applications are open to the UK’s leading technology innovators from across the advanced digital technologies startup and scaleup community. As a startup, you’ll apply to join a cohort of up to 20 of the best innovators and will work to develop prototypes for some of the UK’s core industrial challenges.

Startup cohort announced

After a careful selection process we'll welcome the successful technology startups and scaleups to the programme and announce the leading solutions they'll be developing for Industry Challenge Owners.

Prototype development - solving industry challenges

Up to 20 teams are funded with up to £20,000 each to produce prototypes that address industry challenges. Digital Catapult and UKRI help shape the ideas from paper to working prototype design. The cohort also gain access to investment mentorship, workshops and support to become investment-ready with key manufacturing and industry leaders.

Showcase event

As we close our prototyping phase, the programme will proudly present the first phase outputs and impacts. You'll meet and hear directly from the Industry Challenge Owners, find out more about the challenges they face and discover the industry-changing startups as they pitch their final prototypes.

We'll select up to four companies from the original teams to receive further funding with £100,000 each to further develop their prototype into a minimum viable product. Digital Catapult technologists and our industry partners host workshops to support on pitching, commissioning and specific technical skills.

Minimum viable products presented

Join us as we present the programme at the final marketplace event to demonstrate the programme outputs and impact. You’ll see the startups pitch and have the opportunity to have one-to-one meetings with their founders. This final event will encourage further investment, to take ideas to full-scale production and to source distribution partners.