Written by Yuri Mejia, University of Sheffield

Innovate UK has launched a new funding competition, Agentic AI for Design, aimed at advancing how artificial intelligence can act as an active collaborator in the design process. The call seeks innovative approaches that integrate agentic AI into design, engineering, and creative workflows, promoting human–AI collaboration across key UK sectors.

This opportunity may be of particular interest to members of the D2N+ network exploring digital design, generative systems, or intelligent automation.

Key details:

• Competition opens: 20 October 2025
• Closes: 19 November 2025 at 11:00 am UK time
• Funding available: Up to £1 million total prize fund
• Prizes: Up to £250k awarded per sector (Advanced Manufacturing, Health & Life Sciences, and Creative Industries) plus a “best of best” award
• Eligibility: UK-registered organisations with in-house agentic AI capabilities at TRL 4 or above; collaborations may include up to three partners
• Stage: Expression of Interest (no funding awarded at this stage)

The competition invites proposals that demonstrate how AI systems can act autonomously in creative or technical design contexts, for example, by generating, evaluating, or refining design options collaboratively with human designers.

To explore the full eligibility criteria and apply, visit:
👉 Innovate UK – Agentic AI for Design

If this sounds relevant to your work or research, please get in touch with us. The D2N+ network is keen to hear from members interested in exploring potential collaborations.