Apply now for UKRI IAA Social Venture Fund grants
19 Mar 2026
In Partnership with the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, the Knowledge Exchange Partnerships team is pleased to announce the launch of the UKRI Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) Social Venture Fund.
The IAA is a combination of grants awarded to the University of Manchester by research councils. IAA 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 UoM academics from AHRC and ESRC.
IAA Social Venture Fund (up to £10,000)
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.
- Deadline: Open Call
- Duration: IAA Social Venture Fund projects will typically be between 3 and 9 months in duration
- Download the Application Form
- Download the Quick Guide
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.