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 May 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 31 March 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

• 24 February 2025 – phase one opens to manufacturing companies
• 31 March 2025 – deadline to apply for phase one
• 14 April 2025 – workshop to evaluate and refine applications
• 18 April 2025 – phase one applicants notified of results
• 5 May 2025 – phase two opens to digital companies
• 20 June 2025 – deadline to apply for phase two
• 21 June 2025 – phase two applications assessed
• 28 July 2025 – phase two applicants notified of results
• 4 August 2025 – grants awarded 
• 11 August 2025 – earliest project start date
• February 2026 – latest project end date

Up to £50,000 is available for each project.

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

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.