Digital solutions for manufacturing

Do you have a challenge from the manufacturing sector that could benefit from a digital solution? We’re looking for companies from both the manufacturing and digital sectors to be part of a proof of value project that offers up to £50,000 for each solution.

Our application process is split into two phases that target two types of company.

Phase one

• We’re looking for manufacturing companies with an existing industry challenge. These companies will participate in the project as the beneficiary of a new digital solution.

Phase two

• From June onwards, we'll be looking for digital companies that can provide a solution to the challenges presented by the manufacturing companies.

Individual companies from both phases will be paired up and will work together over a three to six month proof of value project.

We're currently in phase one. Manufacturing companies must apply by 30 April 2025.

This innovation call was created in collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Digital Trust Taskforce. 

This call is open to manufacturing companies of any size. Digital companies must be a small or medium-sized enterprise to participate.

To be eligible, your business must:   

• Be registered, trading, or have a strategic presence in Scotland
• Be able to support the delivery of the project during quarters two, three, and four of 2025, either in kind or with financial resource

You must also be committed to fair working practices. This means work must offer all individuals an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment, and respect. It also includes paying employees at least the real Living Wage. 

You can find out more about fair working practices and access free resources through the Fair Work Employer Support Toolopens in a new window.

To be eligible, your application must relate to one of the following areas:

Data sharing

• Supply chain data  
• Equipment data to track performance and condition
• Materials, inventory data safety, or data related to risk
• Asset performance or reliability
• Workforce training credentials 

Asset tracking

• End-to-end traceability of high-value assets
• Tracking of raw materials and components used in factories
• Asset tracking related to compliance, efficiency, logistics, and predictive maintenance
• Status of an asset that helps track performance

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability compliance

• Energy and carbon reporting
• Waste reduction strategies and circular economy principles
• Modern slavery compliance
• Ethical mineral harvesting compliance
• Traceability of raw materials in relation to compliance 
• Tracking of emissions from individual components

• 18 February 2025 – phase one opens to energy companies
• 30 April 2025 – deadline for phase one applications
• 6 May 2025 – workshop to evaluate and refine applications
• 2 May 2025 – manufacturing challenge workshop
• 12 May 2025 – phase one applicants notified of results
• 5 June 2025 – phase two opens to digital companies
• 21 July 2025 – phase two closes to digital companies
• 28 July 2025 – phase two applications assessed
• 4 August 2025 – phase two applicants notified of results
• 11 August 2025 – grants awarded 
• 1 September 2025 – earliest project start date
• 20 March 2026 – latest project end date

There is up to £50,000 available to each project.

This is in line with the UK subsidy control rules on minimal financial assistance, as these will apply when funding is awarded to you.

You'll be asked to provide details of any other recent funding received as minimal financial assistance or as de minimis.

In line with UK subsidy control rules, we can't award you any grant that would cause you to exceed your minimal financial assistance allowance of £315,000 (or your de minimis threshold, if applicable). This relates to the period covering the current and previous two financial years.

You must also not have started the project, or committed to any project costs, before a grant funding contract is signed.

Only the digital companies identified in phase two can apply for funding. The amount you receive will depend on the solution your company provides.

This grant can cover up to 100% of your eligible project costs. Eligible costs include:

• Employee wages 
• Contractors 
• Consultants 
• Supplies and materials 
• Travel costs

For more details, you can check our guidance on eligible project costs.

Projects must be completed in full by 31 March 2026, and all costs should be paid for by that date. 

During the project, your manufacturing company will need to:

• Participate in a workshop to refine your challenge with Scottish Enterprise and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
• Be part of an evaluation panel that helps review phase two applications 
• Participate in the project as an end-user or customer over a period of three to six months
• Provide resource and financial support throughout the delivery of the project
• Help create a final case study
• Publicise the results of the project through your networks, communication channels, and planned events 

We're looking for digital companies that can provide a solution to the challenges presented by manufacturing companies.

Your digital company will work with an assigned manufacturing company during the project to conduct assessments based on:

• Design
• Technical feasibility
• Financial feasibility

These assessments will help inform the creation of products and services that can provide a solution for a manufacturing company's challenge.

Your application must include, but doesn't need to be limited to, a blockchain-based solution.