Fetching…
Fetching…
Funding Guide — Updated Sep 2026
Filter live UK grants, Innovate UK programmes, and tax relief schemes for robot and automation investment. Covers manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, healthcare, and more.
9 schemes found
Innovate UK
Funding for R&D projects in robotics, automation, and AI. Suitable for companies developing or deploying novel robotic systems.
Max funding
Up to £2M
Match funding
25–50% match required
Deadline
Rolling competitions — check Innovate UK website
Robot relevance
Directly funds robotics R&D, proof-of-concept deployments, and novel automation projects.
Department for Business & Trade
Helps SME manufacturers adopt digital technologies including industrial robots, cobots, and automated assembly. Free leadership workshops plus matched grant funding.
Max funding
Up to £20,000 (SMEs)
Match funding
50% match required
Deadline
Ongoing — regional cohorts
Robot relevance
Directly supports cobot and industrial robot adoption in UK manufacturing SMEs.
HMRC
Companies can deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying plant and machinery (including robots) against taxable profits in the year of purchase. Replaces the old super-deduction.
Max funding
100% first-year deduction
Match funding
None required
Deadline
Permanent from April 2023
Robot relevance
Robots classified as plant and machinery qualify for immediate full expensing — reduces effective capital cost by up to 25% for 25% CT rate payers.
Innovate UK / AHDB
Supports development and deployment of automation in agriculture: robotic harvesting, autonomous vehicles, precision spraying, and livestock monitoring systems.
Max funding
Up to £10M (large projects)
Match funding
30–50% match required
Deadline
Competitions open periodically
Robot relevance
Explicitly funds agricultural robots including autonomous tractors, picking robots, and drone crop monitoring.
HVM Catapult
Access to world-class manufacturing research facilities and expertise. Supports robotics integration, human-robot collaboration studies, and automation proof-of-concept work.
Max funding
Varies by project
Match funding
Industry co-funding expected
Deadline
Ongoing — contact centres directly
Robot relevance
Access to robotics testbeds and expert support for manufacturers evaluating or integrating robots.
Local Councils / LEPs
Replaces EU structural funds. Many local authorities use UKSPF to fund productivity improvements including robotics and automation for SMEs in their area.
Max funding
Up to £50,000 (varies by local authority)
Match funding
50% match typically required
Deadline
Varies by local authority
Robot relevance
Scope varies by council — some explicitly fund automation equipment purchase and installation.
Scottish Enterprise
Supports Scottish businesses investing in productivity-enhancing technology including robotics, automation, and digitisation.
Max funding
Up to £500,000
Match funding
50% match required
Deadline
Ongoing — apply directly
Robot relevance
Covers capital equipment including industrial robots and cobots for Scottish manufacturers.
Welsh Government
Grant support for Welsh SMEs investing in new equipment and technology including automation and robotic systems.
Max funding
Up to £100,000
Match funding
50–70% match required
Deadline
Ongoing
Robot relevance
Welsh businesses can apply for capital grants toward robot purchase and integration costs.
Invest Northern Ireland
Supports Northern Irish manufacturers and distributors to improve productivity through automation, robotics, and lean manufacturing techniques.
Max funding
Up to £25,000
Match funding
50% match required
Deadline
Rolling applications
Robot relevance
Directly applicable to cobot and robot deployment for NI manufacturers.
Grant information is provided for guidance only. Eligibility, funding caps, and deadlines change frequently. Always verify with the administering body before applying. Robot AutoTrader is not a funding advisor.