I want to draw more attention to something I read in Paul’s @pauladams excellent weekly newsletter.

Can we get some collaborations going through My BiHZUB? If you are one half of this equation, let us know.

“They must be a partnership between a technology vendor and an industry adopter in automotive, agri-tech, maritime, aerospace (including space), defence, clean energy, creative and life sciences sectors and be available for the full programme duration over November and July and attend 75% of the workshops”.

Apply for Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator 2026

A programme that pairs Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with industry partners to build and test digital twin solutions for business problems is now open to applicants. Successful projects will also receive up to £100,000 in Innovate UK grant funding.

Participants will take part in a nine-month programme designed to accelerate the adoption of new technologies. It teams an SME industry adopter with a technology vendor in the areas of Automotive, Agri-tech, Maritime, Aerospace, Space, Defence, Clean Energy, Creative and Life Sciences.

It is organised by Digital Catapult, the UK innovation agency for advanced digital technology, developed in conjunction with Innovate UK. The lead applicant and co-applicant of the programme may be a representative from either the industry adopter or the technology supplier.

What the programme offers

Participants in the programme will get technical support from Digital Catapult and access to facilities and real-world testing environments. There will be one-to-one mentoring throughout the programme with opportunities to collaborate with industry partners. There will also be a final showcase event for industry, government and investors.

Who can apply

Applications must be from pre-formed partnerships between a UK-based technology SME developing digital twin capabilities (for example, in data services, cyber-physical systems or AI) and an industry organisation looking to adopt solutions.

Applicants must be a UK-registered company and have a demonstrable idea or solution to fit within the Digital Twin Technology Stack.

They must be a partnership between a technology vendor and an industry adopter in automotive, agri-tech, maritime, aerospace (including space), defence, clean energy, creative and life sciences sectors and be available for the full programme duration over November and July and attend 75% of the workshops.

Applicants must also be within State Aid allowances. The deadline for applications is 6 September 2026.

More details, including links to FAQs, can be found on the Digital Catapult website: https://dc.simplydo.co.uk/challenges/6a2c015ed41734038ed68628