Request Received: 20 May 2026
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would like to request information relating to Innovate UK and/or DSIT innovation assessment structures concerning early-stage applicants and exploratory scientific projects.
Specifically, I request any available information regarding:
1. how “early stage” is defined within relevant Innovate UK assessment processes;
2. the criteria used when assessing applicants considered “too early stage”;
3. the proportion of rejected applications categorised as early-stage or insufficiently developed over the past five years;
4. the proportion of funded applicants who already possessed:
5. whether Innovate UK or DSIT maintains internal analysis regarding barriers faced by:
6. any reports, policy discussions, or reviews concerning whether current innovation structures sufficiently support exploratory or frontier-stage scientific thinking.
If some information falls under exemption categories, I would still request partial disclosure where possible.
7. I would also appreciate clarification regarding whether Innovate UK assessment structures are primarily intended to support:
I request this information in the public interest regarding innovation accessibility, scientific governance, and the long-term effectiveness of UK innovation structures