- Organisations can apply for grants of £50,000 to £250,000 to
invest in new equipment and technology
- The funding will help organisations boost productivity and
efficiency, support long-term growth, and encourage
resource-efficient, circular economy projects
- Applications are now open and close at 11:59pm on 25
September 2026
Applications are now open for the latest round of SMART funding
to help organisations across Wales invest in new equipment and
technology.
The funding round is open to businesses, universities, research
organisations, further education colleges, third sector
organisations and NHS Health Boards operating in Wales.
Since 2023, SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) has
supported 171 organisations across Wales, with more than £20.1
million in grant funding awarded.
The funding has helped organisations develop new products,
services and ways of working, improve productivity and explore
new opportunities for growth. It has also supported collaboration
between businesses, universities and public sector organisations,
helping to turn new ideas into real benefits for Wales.
The latest round of the SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS)
Capital Equipment Fund offers grants of between £50,000 and
£250,000 to help organisations work more efficiently and increase
productivity. Projects that reuse materials and make better use
of resources are also encouraged.
Successful projects must show how investment in new equipment or
technology will improve productivity and bring wider benefits to
Wales. The fund can support the purchase and installation of
machinery and equipment that helps organisations improve
performance and stay competitive in the future.
During a visit to REECO Automation Ltd, which received a £100,000
SMART Innovation Support R&D Grant in 2025, the Cabinet
Secretary for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy saw first-hand
the advanced robotics and automation being developed by the
company.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
:
Wales has no shortage of great ideas, talent and ambition, and we
are proud to support organisations to innovate, grow and succeed.
Innovation is vital to driving productivity and helping us to
achieve our wider ambition of closing the productivity gap with
the rest of the UK.
"By supporting investment in modern equipment, automation and
advanced technologies, this fund will help organisations increase
productivity, strengthen competitiveness and create long-term
economic value for Wales."
I encourage eligible organisations to explore the fund and
consider applying for this valuable support."
Rosie Davies, Managing Director at REECO said:
REECO has benefited greatly from an SFIS Innovation Grant from
the Welsh Government.
The funding has supported the development of several new products
and manufacturing innovations, including our agnostic robotic
palletiser and humanoid robotics solutions for industrial
applications.
The grant has given REECO an added incentive to accelerate
innovation, develop new products and enter new markets.
We would recommend that organisations explore this capital
equipment funding opportunity to help unlock their innovation
plans and drive business growth.
Applications are open until 23:59 on 25 September 2026.
Click here for further
information and application details.
Funding decisions are expected from the week commencing 26
October 2026.
