Innovate UK opened its 'Next Wave: Breakthrough Wave 1' competition on 23 June 2026, sharing £10 million for creative-technology (createch) research projects in England. UK-registered SMEs can apply for grants of £70,000 to £350,000 for work at the intersection of tech and frontier creative industries: video games, advertising/marketing, film/TV, and music and performing/visual arts. The application deadline is 11 August 2026 at 11:00am UK time.
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Innovate UK opens £10m 'Next Wave: Breakthrough' createch grant, up to £350k
Why this matters for founders
England-based SME founders in games, media, adtech or creative tools should apply via the Innovation Funding Service before the 11 August 2026 deadline, either solo or as lead of a collaboration. It is non-dilutive capital for early-stage research aligned to the UK industrial strategy.
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