Made Smarter

Made Smarter UK is a national, government-backed initiative that helps UK manufacturers adopt cutting-edge digital technologies, boost productivity and drive sustainable growth through expert support, training and funding. The programme connects manufacturing businesses with specialist advisers who assess digital needs and develop tailored roadmaps for technology adoption, covering areas such as automation, data integration, robotics, artificial intelligence, the industrial internet of things, and advanced analytics.

Support through Made Smarter includes impartial business and technical advice, workshops and leadership development, digital transformation planning, workforce upskilling, and access to matched grant funding. Manufacturers can apply for match-funded grants of up to £20,000 to invest in industrial digital technologies and tools, with funding typically covering up to 50% of eligible costs, helping SMEs accelerate implementation without taking on debt.

Made Smarter’s adoption support is delivered regionally across England and is available to small and medium-sized manufacturing and engineering businesses with premises in participating areas.

In addition to adoption support, the wider Made Smarter Innovation ecosystem promotes collaboration, research and development in industrial digital technologies, alongside innovation competitions that support feasibility studies and projects focused on sustainability, resilience and productivity.

Businesses interested in support are encouraged to register, complete an initial assessment, and work with a specialist adviser to access funding and progress their digital transformation.

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