Open call for UKRI IAA Social Venture Fund

26 Mar 2026

In partnership with our University’s Innovation Factory, the Knowledge Exchange Partnerships Team launches AHRC and ESRC grants for research colleagues.

The IAA is a combination of grants awarded to our University by research councils.  This 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 of up to £10,000 are now available to our academics from AHRC and ESRC.

Delivered by the University of Manchester 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.

Further information

Deadline: Open Call

Duration: IAA Social Venture Fund projects will typically be between 3 and 9 months in duration.

Applicants must triage submissions via the University of Manchester Innovation Factory Invention Discovery Team for support before applying. Please email: sonia.nikolovski@uominnovationfactory.com

Information regarding eligibility can be found in the IAA Quick Guide. Please contact the Knowledge Exchange Partnerships Team if you have any further queries regarding eligibility.

Download the Application Form