Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), established in February 2023 as a UK government ministerial department, drives the nation's leadership in science, technology, and innovation to foster sustainable economic growth, prosperity, and societal benefits. By optimizing public R&D investment, leveraging private and philanthropic funds, and building skills, infrastructure, and regulations, DSIT accelerates breakthroughs in frontier technologies while prioritizing evidence-based policy, international collaboration, inclusive digital access, and public sector innovation. Its distinctive approach features long-term 10-year commitments, agile R&D management, and a convening role across sectors to make the UK the world's most innovative economy.

DSIT funds strategic R&D, innovation pilots, demonstrators, capacity building, and capital investments aligned with national priorities like AI, quantum technologies, engineering biology, future telecoms, semiconductors, and digital inclusion. Key beneficiaries include UK universities, research organizations, high-potential tech ventures, and digitally excluded communities, with programmes channelled through UKRI, Innovate UK, and initiatives such as the £9.5m Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund or Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund. It supports foundational blue-sky research, scale-up of UK companies, and projects addressing healthcare, cybersecurity, climate, and obesity in deprived areas, emphasizing scalable, evidence-generating interventions for economic competitiveness and public good.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in the UK (nationwide, including devolved nations), with a preference for medium-to-large entities capable of delivering high-impact projects, often in consortia; smaller charities may participate via partnerships. Does not accept unsolicited applications—must apply via competition-specific EOIs leading to full proposals on UKRI or government portals, with deadlines varying by round (e.g., LSIMF Round 5: 3-28 Nov 2025; quarterly/annual cycles, no rolling). Typical grants range £250,000–£1.5m (up to £25m for flagships), excluding unrestricted or emergency funding. DSIT stands out for its £58.5bn multi-year scale, co-investment leverage, and blend of high-science ambition with community-level digital equity.