Startup Innovation & Non-Dilutive Grant Writing Services
Capti Innovation is a specialist consultancy focused exclusively on securing non-dilutive funding through innovation and technology grants in the UK.
Our deep expertise in this area helps strengthen applications, improve competitiveness and increase the likelihood of funding success—saving you time while ensuring your proposal stands out in highly competitive funding rounds.
With a proven track record of supporting innovative businesses, we work closely with you to develop high-quality, fundable applications aligned with grant criteria and strategic objectives. Our goal is simple: to help you secure the non-dilutive funding needed to grow, scale and deliver impactful innovation.
With an exceptional success rate of 81%, Capti Innovation provides trusted expertise in securing non-dilutive funding for innovative businesses. Our experienced team brings over 14 years of specialist knowledge in developing high-quality grant applications across government programmes, research bodies, and innovation funding schemes. We focus on helping organisations access competitive innovation grants and R&D funding across a wide range of sectors. Our track record demonstrates consistent success in securing funding for diverse and high-impact projects. We work closely with each client to strengthen applications, improve competitiveness and maximise the likelihood of funding success. We have supported client applications for:
The European Commission, Horizon Europe, Innovate UK, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Research England, UKRI challenge funds, and the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research).
We also support applications to major innovation and research programmes such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), NATO DIANA, Ofwat Innovation Fund, Net Zero Technology Centre (NZTC), Nesta, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, Leverhulme Trust, Wellcome Trust, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Global Fund, UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and UK Government departmental schemes including the NHS and other public sector innovation initiatives.
Internationally, we have experience with programmes such as Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, British Council Newton Fund, US Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Research Council of Norway, Health and Care Research Wales, Scottish Funding Council, and a range of global development and research initiatives including DFID-linked programmes.
This breadth of experience spans health, deep tech, defence, sustainability, energy, digital innovation and life sciences—supporting organisations from early-stage startups through to established scaleups and research institutions.
We have also supported applications to leading private and philanthropic funders, including Wellcome Trust, Gates Foundation, Nesta, and other innovation-focused grant and challenge funds worldwide.
And many more competitive funding calls across UK and international innovation ecosystems.
UK Funding...
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
EPSRC, the primary UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences, plays a vital role in investing over £800 million annually across various disciplines. From mathematics to materials science, and from information technology to structural engineering, EPSRC supports a diverse range of subjects crucial to advancing innovation and knowledge.
British Council (Newton Fund)
Newton Fund initiatives must showcase a commitment to alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development or enhancing the well-being of populations in Newton Fund recipient countries. These activities should aim to create long-lasting advantages for the citizens of the countries they support.
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
Health Foundation
The Health Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to promoting improved health and healthcare access for individuals in the UK. Our goal is to foster a healthier population through the provision of high-quality healthcare services that are accessible to all. We focus on identifying effective strategies to enhance overall well-being and optimise the healthcare system. Whether through funding frontline initiatives or conducting research and policy evaluations, we strive to illuminate pathways for successful transformation.
Leadership Foundation for Higher Education
National Institute for Health Research
We have been granted funding by the Department of Health to enhance the well-being and prosperity of the nation through research. As the most comprehensive clinical research system globally, we propel research from laboratory experiments to patient care, benefiting both individuals and the economy. Our focus lies in revolutionising research within the NHS, amplifying the scope of practical health research for the public’s advantage, accelerating the transformation of fundamental scientific breakthroughs into tangible advantages, nurturing the individuals involved in applied health research, and attracting investments from the life sciences sector through our exceptional health research facilities.
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Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
NERC provides funding for cutting-edge research in environmental sciences, fostering innovation and collaboration between researchers and end-users. This investment supports essential research infrastructure, equipment, and skills, ensuring the UK remains a leader in environmental science. NERC also prioritises postgraduate training to nurture top talent for the benefit of UK science, business, and government. Information on funding mechanisms and application guidelines is available for those interested in engaging with NERC’s initiatives.
Medical Research Council (MRC)
The mission of the MRC is to promote and support research aimed at enhancing human health, cultivating skilled researchers, advancing knowledge and technology to boost the quality of life and economic competitiveness in the UK, and engaging the public in discussions about medical research. Our work spans from basic laboratory studies on genes and molecules to clinical trials and population research involving people. Our scientific focus encompasses six main areas: infections and immunity, molecular and cellular medicine, neurosciences and mental health, population and systems medicine, global health, and translational research.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Part of the Research Councils UK (RCUK), one of seven research councils funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Our investment in cutting-edge bioscience in 2016-17 totalled £469 million. We provide support to approximately 1600 scientists and 2000 research students in various universities and research institutes throughout the UK. #ResearchCouncilsUK #BioscienceInvestment
Defence and Security Accelerator (dstl)
The Defence and Security Accelerator focuses on fostering innovations that can provide strategic advantages to the defence and national security sectors, safeguarding the UK against potential threats. This initiative aims to finance the development of inventive concepts from. suppliers and offer guidance until they can be implemented effectively. Additionally, the Accelerator will support innovations in defence and security that contribute to the economic growth and overall prosperity of the UK
Health and Care Research Wales
Our goal is for Wales to achieve global recognition for its exceptional research in healthcare and social services, leading to a positive impact on the well-being, health, and prosperity of the Welsh population
Higher Education Academy
The Higher Education Academy (HEA) is the leading organisation dedicated to promoting teaching excellence. Collaborating with governments, universities, and educators in the UK and globally, we emphasise the importance of quality teaching in enhancing the overall student learning journey. Our focus on enriching the higher education sector through effective teaching practices helps elevate the academic experience for all involved.
Leverhulme Trust
Since 1925, we have been dedicated to providing financial support for research and education. Today, we stand as one of the leading funders of research in the UK, contributing around £80m annually. Our funding spans various academic fields, assisting talented individuals in arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences to pursue their research goals and professional development. In addition to research grants, we offer fellowships for researchers at all career stages, grants for international collaborations and travel, and backing for the fine and performing arts.
NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) is the public health services of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Scottish Funding Council
UK Department for International Development (DFID)
The Department for International Development (DFID) is a governmental body responsible for spearheading the UK’s efforts to eradicate severe poverty on a global scale. Addressing pressing issues such as poverty, disease, migration, insecurity, and conflict, DFID is dedicated to creating a more secure, prosperous, and healthy world for individuals in developing nations as well as within the UK. Through its initiatives, DFID aims to make a significant impact on the well-being and livelihoods of people worldwide.
Research England
The Higher Education and Research Act 2017 led to the establishment of Research England within UK Research and Innovation. Research England works alongside the seven Research Councils and Innovate UK, focusing on funding, collaborating with, and understanding English higher education institutions (HEIs). These autonomous and diverse establishments have a unique role in the research and innovation sphere, requiring a Council to push them towards national goals and provide support in achieving them. Research England, a merger of the Research and Knowledge Exchange functions of the former HEFCE, oversees key initiatives like the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF).
UK Industrial Funding...
UK Industrial Funding...
The Data Lab
Innovate UK
Innovate UK, the United Kingdom’s foremost innovation agency, operates as an executive non-departmental public entity under the patronage of the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. This organisation plays a pivotal role in driving forward cutting-edge advancements across various sectors, fostering growth, competitiveness, and sustainability. By supporting businesses, research institutions, and collaborations, Innovate UK propels the nation’s innovation ecosystem towards global leadership. Through strategic funding, guidance, and partnerships, it enables the development and adoption of groundbreaking technologies and solutions that address societal challenges and drive economic prosperity.
Royal Society
The core objective of the Society is to acknowledge, advance, and endorse excellence in the field of science, as well as to stimulate the growth and application of science for the betterment of mankind. The Society has been involved in some of the most pivotal, notable, and life-altering discoveries in the history of science, and scientists affiliated with the Royal Society continue to make remarkable contributions to various research disciplines.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Royal Academy of Engineering
European Funding...
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive arm of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and ensuring EU laws are correctly applied across member states. It works independently to develop policy initiatives and support the delivery of EU-wide priorities agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
Horizon 2020
Horizon 2020 is the European Union’s largest research and innovation funding programme to date, providing nearly €80 billion in funding over seven years (2014–2020). It was designed to support world-class scientific research, accelerate innovation, and strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector. The programme aimed to remove barriers to innovation and reinforce Europe’s global leadership in science and technology.
European Space Agency (ESA)
The European Space Agency (ESA) serves as Europe’s access point to outer space. Its primary goal is to influence Europe’s space capabilities and ensure that investments in space yield advantages for the people of Europe and beyond. With 22 Member States, ESA operates as an international entity.
International Funding...
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
We collaborate with partner organisations globally to address pressing issues across four key program areas. Our Global Development Division focuses on empowering the most underprivileged individuals to overcome hunger and poverty. The Global Health Division strives to utilise advancements in science and technology to enhance survival rates in developing nations. Within the United States Division, our efforts are directed towards enhancing high school and postsecondary education in the U.S. and providing support to at-risk children and families in Washington State. Additionally, our Global Policy & Advocacy Division is dedicated to establishing strategic partnerships and advocating for policies that further our mission.
Research Council of Norway
One of the goals of the Research Council is to foster and facilitate international collaboration among researchers. We are actively involved in supporting governmental and ministerial initiatives aimed at enhancing global research partnerships. Additionally, we work towards implementing international research strategies within academic institutions and businesses.
US Air Force Office of Scientific Research
As a division of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), AFOSR’s technical specialists promote and finance research across AFRL, universities, and industry facilities to facilitate the application of research outcomes for the USAF’s requirements. AFOSR requests research proposals through various Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), educational initiatives, and specialised programs to achieve this objective.
Malaria Eradication Scientific Alliance (MESA)
Nesta
Nesta functions as a global innovation foundation, operating as a UK charity with a worldwide reach, always in collaboration with partners. The major issues Nesta addresses encompass the challenges posed by an aging demographic, strained public services, and the rapidly evolving job market.
The Global Fund
The Global Fund functions as a modern partnership entity dedicated to hastening the eradication of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as widespread diseases. Established in 2002, this organisation operates as a collaborative effort involving governments, non-governmental organisations, businesses, and individuals impacted by these illnesses. Annually, the Global Fund mobilises and allocates close to $4 billion to back initiatives managed by local specialists in regions and communities facing the most urgent needs.
Wellcome Trust
As a global foundation dedicated to philanthropy, we operate with full political and financial independence. Our mission is to support researchers and scientists, tackle significant challenges, ignite creativity, and encourage discussion. With our funding, we assist over 14,000 individuals in more than 70 nations. Over the next five years, we plan to allocate up to £5 billion to empower numerous inquisitive and enthusiastic individuals worldwide to explore concepts in various fields such as science, public health, medical advancements, the arts, social sciences, and community involvement.
Introduction to grant strategy, writing, application & submission
Our team of expert bid writers has extensive cross-sector experience, providing specialist support in securing non-dilutive grant funding for innovation-led businesses. Applying for innovation grants can be time-consuming and complex, often diverting focus from core business operations. We simplify the process by identifying suitable funding opportunities, developing high-quality applications, and managing submissions on your behalf. This allows you to focus on leading and growing your organisation, while we concentrate on securing the non-dilutive funding needed to support your innovation and expansion.
Our approach to grant writing: How we win
1. We evaluate your project concept and assist you in developing your proposal.
To maximise your chances of securing non-dilutive funding, it is essential that we fully understand your project, competitive landscape, market potential and your position within it. Once we have a clear picture of your proposition, we act as a critical partner—refining your application to ensure it is compelling, innovative and aligned with funding criteria. We also help strengthen your bid by identifying the right project team and collaborators, enhancing both credibility and impact. This collaborative approach ensures your innovation is positioned as strong, fundable and competitive within highly contested grant programmes.
2. Identify the best grants for you
Our team of experts continuously monitors the funding landscape to identify upcoming and newly released non-dilutive grant opportunities aligned with your innovation.
We assess a wide range of programmes, including major funders such as Innovate UK, NIHR and DASA, as well as specialist and niche funding calls across UK and international markets. This proactive approach ensures we match your project with the most suitable innovation grants and R&D funding opportunities, maximising your chances of success.
3. We prepare 100% of the application in your behalf
We support you through the full non-dilutive funding journey, from initial application development through to final submission. Our services include expert grant writing, preparation of supporting documentation, development of robust project plans, and ensuring your financial model is clear, compliant and credible. We focus on strengthening every element of your application to maximise competitiveness in innovation grant processes. Where required, we can also manage the submission process directly—navigating application portals and uploading your final proposal on your behalf—ensuring a smooth, accurate and stress-free experience from start to finish.
4. We are here to assist you throughout the grant acceptance process, and even beyond.
We understand that the final stage of the funding journey can be complex, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our team provides ongoing guidance throughout the grant award, acceptance and financial due diligence process, ensuring all requirements are met smoothly and efficiently. We help you navigate compliance, documentation and funder expectations so you can move confidently from approval to delivery of your non-dilutive funding project.
Things to consider before deciding to make an application
Market Potential
Do you have a clearly defined pool of potential beneficiaries for your innovation? Is there credible data to support the demand and market opportunity? Does your market evidence demonstrate sufficient scale to attract non-dilutive funding or investment? And most importantly, is there a clear pathway to commercial viability and sustainable revenue generation?
Freedom to operate
Are you free to operate in your target markets, and have you completed a Freedom to Operate (FTO) assessment? Do you have a clear intellectual property strategy in place to protect, manage and commercialise your innovation, ensuring you maximise the value of your non-dilutive funding and long-term competitive advantage?
Timescales
Have you allocated sufficient time to develop, refine and submit a strong non-dilutive funding application? Are you clear on eligible costs, project budgeting requirements, and the timing of grant payments and claims? Understanding these factors early is essential to building a realistic and successful funding strategy.
Match Funding
How will you secure any required match funding, and have you identified the most appropriate sources to support it? Have you also planned how and when you will draw down your non-dilutive funding to ensure smooth cash flow and effective project delivery throughout the programme lifecycle?
Innovation
Do you believe your idea is truly innovative, and how does it compare to existing solutions in the market? Will it deliver a step-change in capability or only incremental improvement?
Where does your project sit on the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, and is there a clear pathway to advance from concept through development, validation and commercial deployment? Understanding your TRL position is critical in determining eligibility and suitability for non-dilutive funding opportunities.
Economic Benefits
Beyond your sales projections, have you considered the wider economic, social and environmental impact of your innovation? Strong non-dilutive funding applications demonstrate clear value not only in commercial terms, but also in how they contribute to sustainability, societal benefit and long-term systemic change.
Project Team
Have you assessed whether your team has the right skills, experience and capacity to deliver the project within the required budget and timeframe? Have you also considered whether a collaborative consortium approach could strengthen your non-dilutive funding application by bringing together complementary expertise, increasing credibility and improving delivery capability?
State Aid Compliant?
Are you an undertaking in difficulty? Do you expect to make profits during the project duration?
At Capti Innovation, we recognise that successful bid writing often follows the 80/20 Pareto principle: the first 20% of effort typically produces the core structure of a response, while the remaining 80% is required to refine, evidence and elevate it into a competitive, fundable application.
We use a structured, iterative approach to developing high-quality non-dilutive funding applications. This begins with drafting clear initial responses for factual accuracy and content alignment. We then refine and strengthen each section by adding supporting evidence, relevant examples and third-party validation where available, improving both credibility and competitiveness.
The final stage focuses on precision—editing for clarity, compliance with word or page limits, and ensuring the overall narrative is consistent, compelling and fully aligned with funder expectations. This disciplined process ensures every application is positioned to maximise success in highly competitive innovation grant programmes.
Smart Grant from Innovate UK UKRI
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EIC Accelerator - European Innovation Council
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