UKRI IAA Social Venture Fund call for applications
10 Jul 2026
In Partnership with University's Innovation Factory, the UoM Knowledge Exchange Partnerships Team is pleased to invite applications for 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. We 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 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. All projects must be awarded by the 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
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.