Applied AI Growth Sprints

• UK registered startups/scaleups/SMEs in the Industrial Strategy growth-driving sectors (IS8 sectors) as follows:
  • Advanced Manufacturing   

• • Clean Energy Industries   

• • Creative Industries   

• • Defence   

• • Digital and Technologies   

• • Financial Services   

• • Life Sciences   

• • Professional and Business Services  

• Companies identified at Technology Readiness Level (TRL4-5. You can measure your TRL using Digital Catapult assessment tool here.  

• Participating teams must have three people included. This could be full-time employees of the business, or individuals that have been sub-contracted into delivery. 

• A company developing a credible and differentiated AI-driven product or service, grounded in a novel idea, supported by a capable and coherent team, validated through credible technology, and demonstrating a clear understanding of its market and ability to move it forward, with sufficient early evidence to justify further engagement and structured assessment. 

1. Market and Strategic Fit (30%) 

The significance and clarity of the customer or industry problem being addressed, and the extent to which the company offers a compelling and differentiated AI-enabled solution, and how strongly the opportunity aligns and contributes to the strategic objectives of the programme.

What we look for 

• Clear pain point and identifiable customer 

• Strong value proposition 

• Differentiation from existing alternatives 

• Defensible advantage (data, workflow integration, IP, speed, distribution, etc.) 

• Relevance and importance of the market opportunity 

• Evidence of strategic fit with the programme’s goals 

2. Product Maturity and Technical Capability (35%)

The credibility, maturity, and robustness of the technical solution, including evidence that the company can successfully deploy, operate, and scale the product in real-world environments.  

What we look for 

• Technical feasibility and credibility 

• Product maturity / TRL 

• Deployment readiness and reliability 

• Evidence from pilots, users, or customer validation 

• Responsible AI, governance, security, or compliance where relevant 

3. Growth Potential (35%)

The ambition and credibility of the company’s growth strategy, including its route to market, commercial model, scalability, and the team’s ability to execute rapid growth.  

What we look for 

• Clear go-to-market strategy 

• Scalable business model 

• Commercial traction or momentum 

• Realistic but ambitious growth plans 

• Team capability to execute 

• Potential for UK economic impact and scale  da

The scoring criteria will be assessed based on statements in the areas above. Each criterion will be scored on a range from 0 to 5.  0 being an “Unacceptable or No submission” score for each criterion and 5 being an “Excellent” score for each criterion. This scoring will be applied to all applications. 

1. Applications judged and shortlisted
   Applications will be initially screened for eligibility, followed by assessment based on selection criteria by the Digital Catapult team, resulting in the selection of a shortlist. 
2. Interview day and selection 
   After the assessment of applications, companies will be notified of the status of their applications. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with Digital Catapult. During the interview, applicants will have the opportunity to present their ideas and address any questions posed by the judges. Following the interviews, the panel will deliberate and select the final cohort. 
3. Contracting 
   Successful applicants will be notified and provided with a standard Programme Agreement for review. These contracts are standard and not negotiable. We do try to ensure these contracts are fair and reasonable. Invitation to a virtual programme kick-off will then follow provisionally on the completion of this agreement. 

1. Applicants read carefully the programme’s specific requirements, terms and conditions and FAQs. 
2. Applicants fill out their application form here  
3. Applicants will need to complete the application form by 16 August 23:59 2026

• Open Call Live – Monday 13 July 2026* 
• Open Call Deadline – Sunday 16 August 2026, 23:59* 
• Q&A Drop in Sessions – 17, 24, 31 July, 7, 14 August from 9 am – 12 pm*  
• Notification of shortlisted projects and Invitation to interview – 28 August 2026* 
• Interviews – w/c 31 August and w/c 7 September 2026* 
• Notification of Successful Projects – 11 September 2026* 
• Contracting – 14 – 21 September 2026 
• Programme Start Date – 21 September 2026 
• Programme End Date – 26 February 2027 

*Dates and activities can be subject to change. Digital Catapult will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible to applicants/participants should any changes arise.