Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber — CAPEX Grant
Funds Yorkshire manufacturing small businesses through the Made Smarter programme for digital and automation upgrades.
Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber is a nationally funded digital manufacturing programme delivered locally by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and partner growth hubs across Yorkshire and Humber. The programme is backed by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and targets micro and SME-sized manufacturers, producers, and makers operating in the Yorkshire and Humber region who are seeking to adopt digital technologies. The core financial instrument is a capital expenditure (CAPEX) grant of up to £20,000, provided at 50% match funding, meaning the applicant must cover half the cost of the eligible investment.
Eligible CAPEX investments include automation equipment, robotics, artificial intelligence tools, 3D printing systems, and data-driven manufacturing technologies. Alongside the grant, businesses can access a free Digital Roadmap assessment that scopes eligible spend and identifies digital capability gaps. Intensive Technical Support — specialist consultancy through academic or industry partners — is also available with up to 50% match funding, with a minimum engagement of one week. The programme additionally offers fully funded Digital Manufacturing Leadership and Digital Manufacturing Champions courses delivered through Sheffield Hallam University, and fully funded 12-week digital internship placements.
The programme operates on a continuously rolling basis with no fixed application windows or competitive deadlines. South Yorkshire applicants should contact the regional lead, Vernon Tolson (vernon.tolson@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk, 07919 111375), or register at www.madesmarter.uk to initiate engagement. The free Digital Roadmap assessment typically precedes a CAPEX grant application and is the recommended first step for manufacturers new to the programme.
Capital expenditure grants of up to £20,000 at 50% match funding for manufacturing SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber investing in digital transformation technologies including automation, robotics, AI, and 3D printing.
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