Medicines Manufacturing: Labs of the Future competition

The Medicines Manufacturing: Labs of the Future competition is opening on 13 April 2026

Innovate UK will invest up to £7.5 million to support the development and adoption of digital, automated, data-driven and robotic technologies to accelerate pharmaceutical process development and manufacturing.

This competition aims to:

• drive the commercialisation of digital and automated medicines manufacturing innovation
• use data, AI or robotics to improve productivity, reduce time‑to‑patient and free scientists for higher‑value work
• increase the adoption of automation, digital and robotics technologies across manufacturing and development
• build workforce skills to support the effective use of these technologies
• help launch or accelerate new and improved products, processes and services

Organisations in the UK can apply if they are involved in digital, automated or robotics‑led medicines manufacturing innovation and are able to deliver an eligible project within the scope of the competition.

This includes UK‑registered businesses, research organisations, and consortia working on laboratory automation, digital twins, advanced process control, or other technologies that support 'labs of the future' and improve productivity, sustainability, or time‑to‑patient in medicines manufacturing.

The deadline for applications is 11am on Wednesday 27 May 2026.

Read more about the Medicines Manufacturing: Labs of the Future competition.

Briefing event

To help potential applicants understand the scope and expectations of the competition, a dedicated briefing event is taking place online, on 17 April 2026 from 11am to midday.

Innovate UK Business Connect will lead this session to explain timelines, the aims of the call, the eligibility criteria and how to prepare a strong application.

Register now to join the Medicines Manufacturing: Labs of the Future competition briefing.

First published 25 March 2026