Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

DSIT funds a range of technology and innovation areas. Programmes have focused on open radio access network performance, including developing and testing approaches for high-demand density environments, as well as open and interoperable software and hardware solutions. In the AI field, the department supports the creation of high-value AI datasets and autonomous or automated laboratory infrastructure, with priority areas including compute efficiency, next-generation AI labs, health and life sciences, AI for scientific discovery, AI trust and integrity, and defence and national security. The department also funds innovative interventions designed by local stakeholders to increase digital participation, addressing the focus areas of the Digital Inclusion Action Plan. All funded work must take place within the UK.

DSIT funds UK-registered organisations, including charities, companies, universities, and research institutions. The lead applicant for each programme must be a UK-registered organisation. The department works with a range of bodies capable of delivering high-impact projects, often in partnership with others. Beneficiaries vary by programme: for example, the digital inclusion fund supports local stakeholders working to increase digital participation, while the AI and open networks programmes target organisations with the capacity to advance frontier technologies. DSIT does not generally fund individuals or organisations without a UK registration.

DSIT does not fund ongoing business-as-usual operating costs, routine commercial activity, or costs incurred before a grant agreement is in place. The department also excludes capital works for digital infrastructure, such as broadband or telecommunications projects, and activities that do not directly contribute to creating the funded asset. For the digital inclusion programme, projects that are already ongoing or available to the public when the fund opens are not eligible. Additionally, staff costs are only funded where necessary to deliver the proposed project, and certain cyber security activities funded under other programmes are excluded.

DSIT funds through time-limited, competitive grant programmes, each with its own objectives and criteria. The department supports both multi-year projects and those requiring match funding, as seen in the Sovereign AI programme. Grants are awarded to UK-registered organisations that can deliver high-impact work aligned with national strategic priorities. DSIT does not typically accept unsolicited applications outside of specific competitions.