Global Explorers is an Innovate UK programme designed to support individual UK SMEs to explore global R&D and innovation opportunities to accelerate the development of their innovative ideas, products and services and global market access.
The Global Explorers programme is available throughout the UK, with entry and access via Innovate UK’s business growth service Innovate UK EDGE.
Aims & Objectives:
The Global Explorers programme has the overall objective of accelerating SME growth and scaling through increasing global collaboration and future market access, and aims to enable individual UK SMEs to:
- Explore and further international R&D and innovation collaboration and partnerships
- Engage effectively in collaborative research and innovation across borders
- Explore global market opportunities
Key Features
- Funded by Innovate UK
- Grant funding for 70% of eligible costs up to £21,000
- Six-month project window
- Apply through and work with a highly experienced Innovate UK EDGE innovation & growth specialist
- Opportunity to explore international R&D collaboration and partnerships
- Opportunity to explore global markets
Benefits
- Part of the Innovate UK’s support for UK SMEs enabling access to global opportunities
- Reduced risk to the business in taking steps to explore global markets
- Leverage of existing costs
- Access to expertise, knowledge and experience enabling validation and acceleration of innovative products and services
- Increased knowledge, understanding and experience of international opportunities and markets
- Accelerated global growth and scaling
Eligibility
Global Explorers is targeted at ambitious innovative businesses that have the capability to grow and scale, including through global innovation collaboration and building partnerships.
All Global Explorer applications must be endorsed by an Innovate UK EDGE innovation & growth specialist or Scaleup Director and therefore, to apply, SMEs must already be working with Innovate UK EDGE. See overleaf for more information on eligibility and suitability.
Funding available
Grant funding is available for up to 70% of eligible project activities, up to a maximum of £21,000. The business will need to contribute the remaining 30% of project costs (in kind, financial or non-financial).
For full details, read here