Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator 2026

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.

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.