Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) in London
Key information
- The programme supports: clusters that bring together researchers, businesses and civic partners to turn near to market innovation into commercial products and services
- The registration of interest stage is now closed. Only organisations that submitted a registration of interest by the deadline can progress to the next stage of the process.
- Who can apply: see the UKRI guidance for a full list of eligible organisations
- Funding amount: up to £30 million (minimum £2 million per bid, subject to matched-funding requirements)
- Apply by: Wednesday 14 January 2026, 4pm
- Get ready to apply: Read the UKRI guidance | Download the clarification document (PDF - last updated on 17 December) | Registration of interest now closed for applications
Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF)
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) is a new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) programme investing up to five hundred million pounds to grow high potential innovation clusters across the UK. London is set to receive thirty million pounds through the earmarked strand.
The fund supports clusters that bring together researchers, businesses and civic partners to turn near to market innovation into commercial products and services. This activity will help boost productivity, attract investment, and create new skilled jobs in London.
What the fund will support
LIPF aims to unlock regional innovation-led economic growth through investment in high-potential innovation clusters. These are integral to the UK government’s mission to kickstart economic growth. Projects will directly support the growth of high potential clusters, with a focus on near-to market research and innovation with strong potential for commercial application, industry adoption and scalable impact.
In London, the focus will be on sectors and technologies highlighted in the London Growth Plan and the National Industrial Strategy, including:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Climate Tech/Green Innovation
- Clean Energy
- Defence
- Digital and Technologies, with areas such as:
- Advanced Connectivity Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering Biology
- Quantum Technology
- Semiconductors
- Health and Life Sciences
How the process works
London is part of Wave 2 of the national process as set out in the UKRI’s funding guidance. A London Frontier Innovation Board, made up of members from government, industry and academia, will oversee development of the London project portfolio.
The Greater London Authority (GLA) has been nominated by the Frontier Innovation Board to act as Lead Bidder and Local Anchor Entity. This means the GLA will coordinate the London submission, manage the London portfolio development process, and administer grants to business‑led projects. UKRI will continue to fund research organisations directly.
The Frontier Innovation Board provides the strategic oversight for London’s frontier innovation agenda, bringing together senior leaders from research, industry, investment and the public sector. The Board helps set long‑term priorities and supports collaboration across London’s innovation ecosystem.
Who can apply
The registration of interest stage for London projects is now closed.
Only organisations that submitted a registration of interest by 4pm on 14 January 2026 are eligible to move forward to the full proposal stage.
A full list of eligible research organisations can be found in the UKRI guidance on research organisations eligible for UKRI funding.
Further details on the application process will be published on this page on the launch date.
Dates
The timetable below sets out the target timescales for bidding and assessment for the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) in London:
- Registration of interest form opens: 8 December 2025
- Registration of interest form closes: 14 January 2026, 4pm
- Readiness checks submitted to UKRI: by 3 February 2026
- Full application form opens: 23 February 2026
- Full application form closes: 30 March 2026, 4pm
- London project portfolio submitted: by 5 May 2026
- UKRI quality assurance of the portfolio: May to June 2026
- Final project selection by the London Frontier Innovation Board: June 2026
- Projects begin delivery: from July 2026 (must complete activity by 31 March 2031).
How to apply
The registration of interest stage has now closed.
Only organisations that submitted a registration of interest by the deadline can proceed to the full proposal stage. Submission of a registration of interest does not guarantee success in receiving LIPF funding. Details on the full application process will be published on this page in early 2026.
Get ready to apply
Understand the fund requirements
Read the UKRI guidance and find out more about funding criteria and eligibility.
Prepare to register your interest
Find answers on the process, submission, and what to expect next.
Read clarification document (PDF - last updated on 17 December)
Submit a registration of interest
The registration of interest stage is now closed. Organisations that did not submit a registration of interest by the deadline are not able to take part in the next stage of the process.
Questions
Any questions relating to this funding programme or corresponding funding guidance should be submitted to [email protected]
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