Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme: CR/D Round 2 (UK)

Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), is offering up to £7 million in grants to support the development and adoption of sustainable technologies in the manufacturing of medicines. The competition opens on 5 October 2026 and closes on 2 December 2026 at 11:00am UK time. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Innovate UK and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)

- Opportunity Type: Grant

- Total Funding Available: Up to £7 million

- Eligible Applicants: UK registered businesses, RTOs, catapult centres, non-profits, public sector organizations, charities

- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom

- Project Duration: 9 to 12 months

- Application Deadline: 2 December 2026, 11:00am UK time

About the Opportunity

This funding aims to drive innovation in sustainable medicines manufacturing by advancing technologies that enhance green chemistry, circularity, and resource efficiency. Projects should focus on improving productivity, reducing waste and emissions, and enhancing energy and resource efficiency. Funding and Benefits

- Grant Amount: Between £500,000 and £1 million per project

- Funding Limitations: Projects must meet eligibility criteria regarding grant amount and duration.

- Cost Sharing: Industrial research projects can receive up to 70% of eligible costs for small organizations, 60% for medium, and 50% for large organizations. Who Is Eligible?

- Lead Organisation: Must be a UK registered business, RTO, catapult centre, non-profit, public sector organization, or charity.

- Collaboration Requirements: Must include at least one UK registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

- Project Work Location: All work must be conducted in the UK, with results intended for UK exploitation.

- Non-Funded Partners: Allowed, including international entities, provided costs are covered by their own resources.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

- Focus Areas: Green chemistry, circularity, productivity, waste reduction, emissions reduction, energy use reduction, and resource efficiency.

- Technological Advancement: Projects must demonstrate progress in Technology and Commercial Readiness Levels (TRLs and CRLs).

Why This Opportunity Matters This initiative is crucial for transitioning the medicines manufacturing industry towards more sustainable practices. It supports environmental stewardship while enhancing economic and social sustainability, making it an essential opportunity for innovators in the sector. How to Apply

- Prepare Your Proposal: Ensure it aligns with the competition’s aims and demonstrates technological and commercial advancements.

- Application Submission: Use the Innovation Funding Service (IFS) to submit your application.

- Documentation: Include all required details, costs, and answers to Project Impact questions.

- Deadline: Submit by 2 December 2026, 11:00am UK time.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Early Preparation: Contact Innovate UK at least 15 working days before the deadline for accessibility support.

- Collaboration Justification: Clearly explain the collaborative nature and benefit of the partnership.

- Funding Request: Ensure your funding request adheres to eligibility criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the maximum funding amount per project? Projects can request between £500,000 and £1 million in grant funding. Who can lead a project? A UK registered business, RTO, catapult centre, non-profit, public sector organization, or charity can lead. What is the project duration? Projects must last between 9 and 12 months. Can international partners be involved? Yes, as non-funded partners, provided their costs are self-funded and they contribute to the project goals. What is the application deadline? Applications must be submitted by 2 December 2026, 11:00am UK time. Next Steps Eligible applicants should carefully review the official competition guidelines and ensure their proposal aligns with the stated objectives. Visit the Innovation Funding Service for more details and to begin your application process.