Opportunities for businesses: funding and beyond 

Suffolk Economy brings you a monthly round-up of current opportunities for Suffolk-based businesses, including funding, support and more. If you have an opportunity you’d like to share, please contact suffolk.economy@suffolk.gov.uk

£14 Million Funding to Boost UK Space Technology Innovation (UK)

UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £14.7 million in funding from the UK Space Agency to develop cutting-edge space technologies and strengthen the UK’s industrial capability.

The funding is available through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), which supports projects from early-stage development through to commercially viable or mission-ready products.

The programme’s objectives include:
· developing technologies that support ESA and national missions
· strengthening UK and European industrial competitiveness
· fostering innovation
· enhance Europe’s technological autonomy and secure access to European sources for critical technologies
· promoting the spin in of non space technologies to enhance future mission capabilities

Projects must focus on non-telecommunications space technologies, with grants typically ranging from around €200,000 for early feasibility work up to €1.5 million for more advanced projects.

Proposals and bids may be submitted either by individual organisations or by consortia, with or without the involvement of academic institutions. Consortia may also include companies or organisations from other ESA Member States.

Find out more details, including how to apply. 

The deadline for the current Open Innovation call is 9am on 11 May 2026.

Competition Launched for UK Offshore Wind Technology Innovation Projects

Innovate UK is investing up to £10m in the first phase of the Offshore Wind Innovation Programme to accelerate UK business growth and strengthen the UK’s global leadership in offshore wind.

Opening on 7 April 2026, two competitions will share up to £10m to support early and mid-stage offshore wind innovation projects that help companies develop new technologies, scale their businesses and compete internationally. Both competitions close on 3 June 2026.

Find out more and join an online briefing session for an overview of the competition, including the scope, timelines and the types of projects that are eligible for funding.

The deadline for applications is 3 June 2026 (11:00).

Suffolk Economy Grants

Our own Suffolk Economy grant programme is also open for applications. 

You might be eligible for funding if…  

• You are a micro, small or medium sized business based in Suffolk  

• You need funding to achieve clean growth, such as job creation or access to external investment.   
• You have a focus in one of the following areas: innovation, digital technology adoption, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainable practices  

Our priority areas for funding are digital transformation and adoption of new technologies, innovation and R&D, decarbonisation and sustainability.   

All of the information and criteria is available on the Suffolk Economy website: Business Grants and Funding – Suffolk Economy