Innovate UK has launched a new £1 million competition to fast-track breakthroughs in agentic artificial intelligence (AI) across three of the UK’s highest-growth sectors: advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and the creative industries.
The Agentic AI Pioneers Prize aims to support AI systems capable of taking initiative, collaborating with humans, co-creating new ideas and coordinating complex tasks—capabilities that are expected to reshape productivity and innovation across multiple industries.
Agentic AI differs from traditional AI models by acting autonomously within defined parameters, automating workflows and enhancing decision-making. Potential applications range from accelerating drug discovery and optimising factory processes to driving generative design in creative production.
Up to four major winners to secure funding and mentoring
The competition is open to UK-registered businesses of all sizes, with up to four winners set to share the £1 million prize fund. The first-place winner in each category will receive £250,000, with a further £250,000 awarded to the strongest overall solution across all sectors.
Prize categories include:
Sector
First Prize
Advanced Manufacturing
£250,000
Health & Life Sciences
£250,000
Creative Industries
£250,000
Best Overall Solution
£250,000
In addition to funding, winners will gain access to expert mentoring from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Digital Catapult and leading AI experts across the respective sectors. Entrants will also benefit from national exposure and strategic networking opportunities.
A push to cement the UK’s AI leadership
Tom Adeyoola, Chief Executive Officer of Innovate UK, said the prize reflects the organisation’s ambition to accelerate high-impact innovation and scale commercial outcomes. “Innovate UK’s vision is for a UK where breakthrough ideas become industry giants. This means being bolder in our aspirations and more targeted in our approach. The Pioneers Prize embodies that mission by removing barriers, providing clear routes to scale, and backing businesses ready to lead rather than follow.”
The initiative is expected to help position the UK as a global frontrunner in AI-driven design, R&D optimisation and automation—particularly at a time when businesses are under pressure to improve productivity and accelerate time-to-market.
How to apply
Expressions of interest close: Wednesday 19th November
Online briefing event: Thursday 23rd October
Applications via: Innovate UK website
The competition offers SMEs, scale-ups and larger enterprises a route to gain national recognition, build strategic partnerships and showcase agentic AI solutions capable of delivering measurable impact,