Government pledges £20m funding for tech innovation to 'build UK resilience'

The government has announced a new £20m funding pot for tech businesses that can build the country’s resilience in the wake of COVID-19.

Launched by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the multi-million pound fund will focus on technology and research firms that can develop innovations to ensure continued productivity across key industries during times of crisis.

Grants of up to £50k will be available to businesses who can innovate in a range of sectors, such as new technology allowing retailers to respond to spikes of consumer demand and deliveries, services for families to connect with and remotely monitor elderly or vulnerable relatives, and creating education tools which enable home learning.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway commented: “The response of researchers and businesses to the coronavirus outbreak have been remarkable.

“This new investment will support the development of technologies that can help industries, communities and individuals adapt to new ways of working when situations like this, and other incidents, arise.”

Dr Ian Campbell, executive chair for Innovate UK, added: “The Covid-19 situation is not just a health emergency, but also one that affects the economy and society.

“With that in mind, Innovate UK has launched this rapid response competition today seeking smart ideas from innovators. These could be proposals to help the distribution of goods, educate children remotely, keep families digitally connected and even new ideas to stream music and entertainment.

“The UK needs a great national effort and Innovate UK is helping by unleashing the power of innovation for people and businesses in need.”

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