Funded technology projects in England (Made Smarter)

Who it applies to

Small and medium-sized manufacturers in England considering a digital technology project. Made Smarter is a UK government-backed programme run regionally. Its Adoption programme expanded to all English regions in 2025-26.

What it requires, in plain terms

Made Smarter is a source of support, not an obligation. Its Adoption programme typically offers:

• Impartial technology advice from specialist advisers, to help identify where digital technology would help.
• Match-funded grants towards eligible technology projects, covering part of the cost of equipment, software and specialist implementation.
• Leadership and skills support, such as leadership programmes and digital internships.

Eligibility, grant levels and the share of costs covered vary by region and change from year to year. Applications are made through the regional programme, usually after an initial review with an adviser.

Key dates

As of November 2026: funding is allocated by financial year (April to March) and by region, and regional budgets for 2026/27 have been announced. Check your regional Made Smarter page for current availability before planning a project around a grant.

What it means for your systems

• Grant applications usually ask for a defined project with a clear scope, the technology involved, and the expected benefit. A written plan with a fixed scope is a natural input.
• Projects that start with data, such as connecting the ERP, spreadsheets and shop-floor records into one product database, tend to be easier to scope and to evidence than broad "digital transformation".
• The grant pays for part of the project; the business still owns the system and its upkeep afterwards.

Official sources

• Made Smarter (opens in a new tab)
• GOV.UK: Made Smarter Adoption impact and process evaluation (opens in a new tab)
• Drives & Controls: programme funding announcement (opens in a new tab)

How this connects to our work

Each build starts with a written plan stating the outcome, how we will know it is done, and the price, which is the kind of scope a grant application needs. Whether a project qualifies is for the regional programme to decide. See also Manufacturing.