Businesses and organisations across Wales can apply for grants of up to £250,000 to invest in new technology, machinery and equipment aimed at increasing productivity and supporting growth.
The latest round of the Welsh Government's SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) Capital Equipment Fund has opened, with grants ranging from £50,000 to £250,000 available.
Businesses, universities, research organisations, further education colleges, third sector organisations and NHS Health Boards operating in Wales are eligible to apply.
The latest funding round is focused particularly on investment that can improve productivity and efficiency, strengthen competitiveness and create longer-term economic benefits for Wales.
Projects supporting greater resource efficiency and the circular economy, including those that reuse materials or make better use of resources, are also being encouraged.
Applicants will need to demonstrate how their proposed investment in new equipment or technology will deliver productivity improvements and wider benefits.
The funding can contribute towards the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment, including technologies that enable organisations to automate processes, improve performance or introduce new ways of working.
Since its launch in 2023, SMART Flexible Innovation Support has awarded more than £20.1 million in grants to 171 organisations across Wales.
The programme has supported the development of new products and services, productivity improvements and collaboration between businesses, universities and public sector organisations.
The latest funding was highlighted during a visit to REECO Automation Ltd, which received a £100,000 SMART Innovation Support R&D Grant in 2025.
The company has used SMART support to develop new products and manufacturing innovations, including an agnostic robotic palletiser and humanoid robotics solutions for industrial applications.
The Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy said:
“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 the company's previous grant had helped accelerate its innovation plans.
She 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 for the latest funding round are open until 11.59pm on September 25, 2026.
Funding decisions are expected from the week commencing October 26.
