Apply Now: Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute – Phase 1 (UK)

Deadline: 14-Oct-2026

Innovate UK is offering £50,000 to £100,000 in seed funding to establish a consortium and develop the case for a proposed Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute (MMDI). The initiative aims to create a trusted, secure, federated national data hub that improves data sharing, innovation, productivity, investment, and resilience across the UK’s medicines development and manufacturing ecosystem.

About the Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute

The Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute (MMDI) is envisioned as a national data hub for organisations working across the UK’s medicines development and manufacturing ecosystem. The proposed institute would provide a trusted, secure, and federated data environment that enables organisations to capture, share, and use data securely. The initiative is part of the UKRI Life Sciences Growth Sector and is intended to strengthen the UK’s position in life sciences by improving access to and use of data across medicines development and manufacturing. What Is the MMDI? The MMDI is proposed as a federated national data hub. A federated data model allows participating organisations to connect and use data while maintaining appropriate control and security over their own information. The proposed MMDI would aim to help organisations: Build stronger collaboration between ecosystem participants What Does Phase 1 Support? Phase 1 is focused on seed funding for consortium development and case preparation. The purpose is not simply to fund the long-term operation of the MMDI. Instead, funding will help establish the partnership and develop a compelling case for creating the proposed institute. Phase 1 activities should therefore help applicants: Establish a suitable consortium Bring together relevant ecosystem organisations Define the strategic value of the MMDI Develop the case for investment Identify opportunities for data-enabled innovation The proposed MMDI should be clearly connected to the ambitions of the UK Industrial Strategy and the Life Sciences Sector Plan. Why Data Matters for Medicines Manufacturing Medicines development and manufacturing involve complex processes and large amounts of data. Better use of trusted and securely shared data can help organisations identify opportunities for: Process improvement Innovation Increased productivity Collaboration Evidence-based decision-making Manufacturing resilience Investment Faster adoption of new technologies The MMDI concept is intended to address the need for stronger data connectivity across different parts of the medicines ecosystem while maintaining appropriate security and trust. Funding Available

Phase 1 provides seed funding of:

Minimum grant: £50,000

Maximum grant: £100,000

Project duration: 3 to 6 months

Anticipated project start: 1 January 2027

Applicants should request an amount that is appropriate for the activities required to establish the consortium and prepare the case for the MMDI. Who Is the Funding For? The competition is intended for organisations capable of contributing to the development of a consortium and a strong strategic case for the proposed MMDI. Applicants should demonstrate their ability to: Bring relevant organisations together Understand the medicines development and manufacturing ecosystem Mobilise the project quickly Develop a compelling strategic case Demonstrate the potential value of a national data hub Align the proposal with UK Government and life sciences priorities The consortium should bring together appropriate expertise and stakeholders needed to assess the potential role and value of the MMDI. What Should a Strong Proposal Demonstrate? A competitive proposal should clearly explain why the MMDI is strategically important to the UK.

The proposal should demonstrate:

1. Strategic Value

Explain how the proposed institute could strengthen the UK’s medicines development and manufacturing ecosystem.

2. Consortium Capability

Show that the consortium includes the relevant expertise, organisations, and stakeholders required to develop the case.

3. UK Economic and Industrial Benefits

Explain how the MMDI could contribute to: Growth Productivity Innovation Investment Industrial resilience Life sciences competitiveness

4. Data and Technology Opportunity

Clearly describe the opportunity created by secure, federated data sharing and how it could benefit medicines development and manufacturing.

5. Alignment with Government Priorities

Demonstrate alignment with the UK Industrial Strategy and Life Sciences Sector Plan. How to Prepare the Application Applicants should prepare their proposals around the objectives of Phase 1 rather than treating the competition as a conventional research grant.

Step 1: Understand the MMDI Opportunity

Review the objectives of the proposed Medicines Manufacturing Data Institute and identify the specific ecosystem challenges that a national data hub could address.

Step 2: Build the Consortium

Identify organisations that can contribute relevant expertise, industry knowledge, data capabilities, research experience, or medicines manufacturing expertise.

Step 3: Define the Strategic Case

Set out why the UK needs the MMDI and what benefits it could deliver. The case should connect the proposed institute with measurable improvements in areas such as innovation, productivity, investment, and resilience.

Step 4: Develop a Work Plan

Create a realistic three- to six-month plan covering activities such as: Applicants are expected to be able to start quickly, with an anticipated project start date of 1 January 2027. Ensure that the proposed team and consortium can begin work promptly if successful.

Step 6: Engage with Innovate UK

Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend a briefing event or engage with the Medicines Manufacturing team before submitting an application. This can help applicants better understand the competition and ensure that their proposed project is appropriately aligned with the objectives of the call. Tips for Applicants