Funding


LSE researchers can access a number of funds to help you develop and commercialise your idea. To apply to any of the funds, contact LSE Innovation, who can advise you on the application process.

Grant: LSE Innovation Fund

Funding for: Develop and test early-stage innovations from LSE research, e.g. prototyping, market testing. Typically £5-25k.

Grant source: LSE

Next deadline: Open Call

Supported by: LSE Innovation

Grant: LSE Innovation Challenge

Funding for: Applications based on current or recent LSE research to help meet the challenges faced by the world in a time of rapid change. First prize £10k, 2 x Runner up £5k.

Grant source: LSE

Next deadline: Bi-Annual - open until 31 December 2022

Supported by: LSE Innovation

Programme: SHAPE Pre-Accelerator

Programme for: 4x innovation training sessions and a presentation to a panel of advisors. This programme aims to prepare you for market validation. Read more

Run by: ASPECT

Next Deadline: January 2023, 5 cohorts in 2023

Supported By: LSE Innovation

Programme: ARC Accelerator

Programme for: 6-month programme of market validation and entrepreneurial training for SSHA researchers. £4k for participants, potential to win £50k. 

Run by: ASPECT

Next deadline: 2 December 2022

How often: Once a year, starting in January each year

Supported by: LSE Innovation

Programme: ICURe

Programme for: 3-month £35K programme for market testing, 100 conversations with possible end users.

Grant Source: Innovate UK (UKRI)

Next deadline: Applications open on 1 December 2023 and close on 1 February 2023. The bootcamp takes place 28 February - 8 March 2023

How often: Every few months

Supported by: LSE Innovation

Grant: ERC Proof of Concept

Funding for: Maximise the value of ERC research by funding further work to verify the innovation potential of ideas arising from ERC-funded projects. The maximum budget is 150,000 Eur. 

Grant source: ERC

Next deadline: 24 January, 20 April, 21 September 2023

Supported by: RDT and LSE Innovation

Grant: AHRC Follow on Fund

Funding for: Unforeseen knowledge exchange, public engagement, active dissemination, and commercialisation activities that arise during the lifespan of, or following, an AHRC-funded project. 

Grant source: AHRC

Supported by: LSE Innovation

Grant: Knowledge Transfer Partnerhsip (KTP)

Funding for: Direct knowledge transfer to a company
- Business partner = access to unique sector knowledge.
- Academic = publications, knowledge transfer.
- Associated = paid job, training, future employment.

Grant source: Innovate UK (UKRI)

Next deadline: 25 January, 29 March, 17 May 2023

How often: Approximately every two months

Supported by: LSE Innovation and KTP advisor

Grant: Innovate UK SMART Grants

Funding for: UK registered organisations for game-changing and commercially viable research and development (R&D) innovation that can significantly impact the UK economy. Led by SME, academia can support.

Grant: Horizon (Innovation, Action, Reseach and Innovation Actions)

Funding for: explore the feasibility or produce plans and designs of new or improved technology, product, process, service or solution. This may include prototyping, testing, demonstrating, piloting, large-scale product validation and market replication.

Grants: EIC Pathfinder and Transition

Funding for: Support to research teams to research or develop an emerging breakthrough technology. Funds innovation activities that go beyond the experimental proof of principle in thelaboratory. Tech-focused.




If you have any questions, contact Matt Hindhaugh, m.e.hindhaugh@lse.ac.uk, or Charlotte Rowan, c.rowan1@lse.ac.uk, in the LSE Innovation team.