Open call for UK Research and Innovation funding

21 Jul 2026

UKRI Impact Acceleration Account Social Venture Fund now open – apply now.

Colleagues are invited to apply for the UKRI Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) Social Venture Fund. 

The IAA is a combination of grants awarded to our University by research councils. The funding supports the research and innovation ecosystem to develop wider impacts from research through fast and flexible funding for knowledge exchange activities.

IAA Social Venture Fund grants are available to University academics from AHRC and ESRC.

The UoM Knowledge Exchange Partnerships team in partnership with the UoM Innovation Factory welcome applications from academics in all faculties, but projects must meet the remit of either AHRC or ESRC.

IAA Social Venture Fund (up to £10,000)

Delivered by the UoM Innovation Factory, which leads the commercialisation of the University’s innovations and intellectual property, the fund will support essential early‑stage activities for emerging social ventures.

This includes market, competitive and social landscaping; technology and feasibility evaluation; business model development; user and stakeholder engagement; and early social‑impact planning. Together, these activities will help shape and de‑risk potential spin‑out opportunities with a clear pathway toward sustainable social and economic value.

Apply now

Open call deadline: All projects must be awarded by 31 October 2026.

Duration: IAA Social Venture Fund projects will typically be between 3 and 6 months in duration. All IAA project spend must be completed by 31 March 2027.

Download the Application Form

Download the Quick Guide