Advanced Connectivity Technologies: New Innovators

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will invest up to £500,000 from the UKRI ACT R&D Programme in UK registered small and micro businesses. The aim of this competition is to provide a package of targeted support to enable ambitious UK registered micro and small businesses to develop affordable, adoptable and investable innovations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT). Your innovation must lead to new products, processes or services that are significantly ahead of others currently available, or propose an innovative use of existing products, processes or services. It can also involve a new or innovative business model. Our experience from similar competitions suggests that you could have a 15% chance of success. Your project must align with one of the following ACT Grand Challenges. You must be able to demonstrate measurable improvements against existing technical solutions as well as a credible integration route and pathway for commercialisation and adoption of your solution. See below for full details of each challenge. Challenge 1: Secure and Resilient Networks This challenge focuses on development of solutions that will position the UK as a leader in secure communications, underpinning critical national infrastructure and economic sectors. The key outcome is to create networks that are trustworthy, reliable, and able to withstand disruption, while preparing for emerging risks. Challenge 2: Sustainable Networks This challenge will drive innovation in technologies that reduce the environmental impact of telecoms while ensuring that finite spectrum is used as effectively as possible. The key outcome is to create sustainable, energy efficient networks that contribute to the UK's clean power commitments. Innovate UK Business Connect held a briefing event on 9 July: click here to watch the recording and download the slides .