Current opportunities
The opportunities listed below are in order of closing date. If you are looking to apply for one of the opportunities listed below, we can assist with grant applications. Visit our grant writing page to find out more.
UKRI Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme
Closing date: 18 March 2026
The Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS) is the Medical Research Council’s primary mechanism for supporting translational research that moves early scientific discoveries toward real-world health impact.
There is no upper funding limit, and UKRI typically funds 80% of the full economic cost. Applications are submitted through the UKRI Funding Service and assessed in two stages, covering scientific rationale, feasibility, development plan, milestones, team capability, ethics and regulatory considerations, data sharing, and intellectual property strategy.
To find out more, or to apply, visit the UKRI website.
Longstanding opportunities:
EIC Accelerator (UK based organisations are eligible)
The EIC Accelerator supports individual small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to develop and scale game-changing innovations providing substantial financial support with:
- Grant funding (non-dilutive) of up to €2.5 million for innovation development costs, including demonstration of the technology in the relevant environment, prototyping and system level demonstration, R&D and testing required to meet regulatory and standardisation requirements, intellectual property management, and marketing approval (e.g. at least TRL 5/6 to 8).
- Investments (direct equity investments or quasi-equity such as convertible loans- for EU based organisations only) of up to €15 million managed by the EIC Fund for scale up and other relevant costs.
Visit the European Innovation Council website for more information about their accelerator.
Nesta Impact Investment
The British Heart Foundation (BHF)
EIC STEP Scale-Up
The EIC STEP Scale Up scheme, part of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), provides equity-only investments of €10–30 million to startups, SMEs, and small mid-caps aiming to scale breakthrough innovations in strategic sectors like digital, deep tech, clean tech, and biotech. With a 2025 budget of €300 million, the scheme targets high-risk, high-potential companies that have already secured at least 20% of their funding round from a qualified investor. The programme supports innovations in areas such as AI and advanced biotechnologies, including critical medicines, DNA/RNA, proteins, cell engineering, gene vectors, bioinformatics, and nanobiotechnology. Successful applicants gain access to Business Acceleration Services and may receive a STEP Seal, enhancing visibility and access to further funding opportunities.
TheHill is always open to collaborations and keen to partner with other organisations as consortium member on collaborative projects, if you are interested please complete our triage form.