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SMART

Smart is a funding programme operated by the Technology Strategy Board, the UK's national innovation agency. Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation.

Smart (previously known as Grant for Research and Development) is a Technology Strategy Board scheme offering funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in R&D projects in the strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology, from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge.


The Smart scheme will support R&D projects which offer potentially significant rewards and could stimulate UK economic growth.

Three types of grant are available:

  • Proof of market
  • Proof of concept
  • Development of prototype

Any UK SME working in any sector may apply; applications are accepted on a rolling basis for assessment by independent experts.
Smart replaces the Grant for R&D scheme previously offered by regional development agencies. The scheme works alongside existing programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Further information including full guidance for applicants is available here.