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- Tasks: Support UK businesses in attending European events to foster innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Innovate UK empowers SMEs to expand their networks and engage in international research.
- Benefits: Receive up to £750 for travel costs and proactive support from Innovate UK.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community of innovators and make a real impact on the UK economy.
- Qualifications: Must be a for-profit UK-based R&D performing SME as per EU definition.
- Other info: Explore exciting events across Europe, from Portugal to Finland, enhancing your global connections.
Innovate UK is offering Travel Support of up to £750 for companies to attend Horizon Europe consortia-building events in Europe.
These opportunities enable innovators to form new collaborative partnerships to help businesses grow by supporting companies who want to expand their networks across Europe and make an impact in innovative international research and development projects. These awards encourage UK participation, engagement and visibility at international events and aim to accelerate UK involvement in European research programmes.
To be eligible for support, you need to be a for-profit UK-based R&D performing SME according to the EU definition (see definition here). If successful in your application for travel and accommodation costs, you will receive pro-active support from Innovate UK to help you maximise the benefit of attending. Please note, that successful applicants will need to adhere to Innovate UK’s policy for reasonable travel expenses (in line with HMRC travel and subsistence overview), a copy will be provided to successful applicants.
Since September 2023, Innovate UK has supported SMEs looking to expand into Europe by providing travel awards to enable innovators to attend events in several different countries and form new collaborative partnerships to help their business grow and simultaneously strengthen the UK economy.
Read more about how these European event travel awards enable UK SMEs to expand their horizons. (Note: Award has been increased since this was published.)
Upcoming Travel Awards
Up to £750 is available to help cover travel and subsistence costs needed to attend the following events:
- European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC), 7 – 11 September 2025, Madeira, Portugal (Deadline to apply: 29 July 2025, Applicant notification date: 31 July 2025)
- Eurogia Low Carbon Energy Technologies PO Day, 26 September 2025, Istanbul, Turkey (Deadline to apply: 25 August 2025, Applicant notification date: 29 August 2025)
- European Geothermal Congress, 6 – 10 October 2025, Zurich, Switzerland (Deadline to apply: 2 September 2025, Applicant notification date: 4 September 2025)
- Future Battery Forum, 25 – 26 November 2025, Berlin, Germany (Deadline to apply: 22 October 2025, Applicant notification date: 23 October 2025)
- ITEA software innovation PO Preparation Days, 16 – 18 September 2025, Lisbon, Portugal (Deadline to apply: 25 August 2025, Applicant notification date: 29 August 2025)
- Xecs Matchmaking Event, 9 Oct 2025, Riga, Latvia (Deadline to apply: 2 September 2025, Applicant notification date: 4 September 2025)
- European Business & Nature Summit. 23 – 24 October 2025, Helsinki, Finland (Deadline to apply: 22 September 2025, Applicant notification date: 26 September 2025)
- BIO-EUROPE life science and biopharma event, 3 – 5 November 2025, Vienna, Austria (Deadline to apply: 6 October 2025, Applicant notification date: 10 October 2025)
- Tomorrow Mobility World Congress (held alongside Smart City Expo World Congress), 4 – 6 November 2025, Barcelona, Spain (Deadline to apply: 23 September 2025, Applicant notification date: 26 September 2025)
- Annual POLIS transport innovation Conference, 26 – 27 November 2025, Utrecht, The Netherlands (Deadline to apply: 22 October 2025, Applicant notification date: 24 October 2025)
Apply
European event travel award testimonials summary
After Speaking With Those Who Have Previously Received Travel Support, Here Is An Overview Of The Feedback They Shared With Us
These Innovate UK European event travel awards enabled us to meet with experienced companies as well as universities to discuss collaborating on Horizon Europe international projects and learn about collaborative European funding opportunities which was especially useful as the UK is now associated with Horizon Europe. We really enjoyed expanding our international network by joining research groups and forming consortiums with valuable business partners. Working alongside industry specialists from a diverse range of countries to understand how to develop and implement a new technology into the global marketplace provides endless possibilities.
Contact us
If you have any questions about approved Travel Awards, please get in touch with the European Programmes team at #J-18808-Ljbffr
Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events in 2025 & 2026 employer: Innovate UK ICURe
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events in 2025 & 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific events listed in the job description. Understanding the focus and goals of each event will help you tailor your approach when networking and seeking partnerships.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with Innovate UK’s resources and previous award recipients. This can provide insights into successful strategies and connections that could enhance your application and experience at the events.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to articulate how attending these events aligns with your business goals. Be ready to discuss potential collaborations and innovations that could arise from your participation.
✨Tip Number 4
Network proactively before the events. Reach out to other SMEs and organisations that will be attending, as building relationships in advance can lead to fruitful discussions and partnerships during the events.
We think you need these skills to ace Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events in 2025 & 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand Eligibility Criteria: Before applying, ensure that your company qualifies as a for-profit UK-based R&D performing SME according to the EU definition. This is crucial for your application to be considered.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how attending the specific event will benefit your business and contribute to innovative international research and development projects.
Detail Your Travel Plans: Clearly outline your intended travel plans, including dates, locations, and the purpose of attending the event. This helps demonstrate the necessity of the funding you are requesting.
Review and Proofread: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and accuracy. A well-written application free of errors can significantly enhance your chances of success.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe
✨Understand the Role and Requirements
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and requirements. Familiarise yourself with Innovate UK's mission and how this role contributes to supporting UK businesses in European events.
✨Prepare Relevant Examples
Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to support businesses, manage travel logistics, or engage in collaborative projects. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit the role you're applying for.
✨Show Enthusiasm for International Collaboration
Express your passion for international collaboration and innovation. Discuss any previous experiences you have had working with international teams or attending global events, as this will show your commitment to the role's objectives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the types of businesses Innovate UK typically supports or how they measure the success of their travel awards. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
