Delivered by Digital Catapult, the Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator Programme 2026 is a nine-month programme that supports partnerships between UK technology SMEs and industry adopters to accelerate the adoption of digital twin technologies. Working together, participants will develop innovative proof-of-concept solutions that address real-world adoption challenges across the automotive, agri-tech, maritime, aerospace (including space), defence, clean energy, creative industries and life sciences sectors. Successful projects will receive up to £100,000 in Innovate UK grant funding, alongside technical expertise, mentoring and access to specialist facilities to help accelerate the development and deployment of their solutions.

Programme benefits

During the nine-month programme, participants will be supported by Digital Catapult and the UK Digital Twin Centre partners through:

  • Up to £100,000 in Innovate UK grant funding per successful project
  • Expert technical support from Digital Catapult’s innovation and technology teams to help develop and refine digital twin solutions
  • Access to real-world environments to test and validate proof-of-concept projects
  • Dedicated 1-2-1 mentoring throughout the programme
  • Hands-on collaboration between technology innovators and industry adopters to solve genuine business challenges
  • Support from the UK Digital Twin Centre industry partners
  • Opportunities to expand your network through connections with industry leaders, technology experts and the wider digital twin ecosystem
  • An end of programme showcase event to demonstrate their solutions to an audience of industry, government and investors

Who should apply?

The Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator Programme is open to pre-formed partnerships between a UK technology SME and an industry organisation looking to adopt digital twin technologies.

Partner 1: A Technology SME from across the UK developing solutions in one or more of the six enabling technology areas that underpin digital twins:

  • Cyber-physical systems
  • Data services
  • Security and trustworthiness
  • Immersive technologies and user experience
  • Intelligence
  • Integration and interoperability

Partner 2: An industry adopter/organisation operating in one of the following sectors that are seeking to address a digital twin adoption challenge:

  • Automotive
  • Agri-tech
  • Maritime
  • Aerospace (including space)
  • Defence
  • Clean energy
  • Creative industries
  • Life sciences

Either the technology SME or the industry adopter may act as the lead applicant. The programme will support nine partnerships to develop proof-of-concept projects that accelerate the adoption of digital twins in industry.

Find out more and apply. Deadline: Sunday 6 September 2026 at 23:59.