Project HELIX — Food Innovation Wales

Project HELIX is the Welsh Government's pan-Wales support programme for the food and drink sector, delivered by the Food Innovation Wales network of four regional centres. Eligible Welsh food and drink businesses — primarily SMEs — receive free in-kind technical assistance: new product development, manufacturing process optimisation, food-safety certification (BRCGS, SALSA), marketing intelligence, and access to training days. There is no cash grant award; funder expenditure is recorded as service delivery to each beneficiary company. The programme has operated since 2016, was originally co-funded by EU structural funds, and has been funded solely by Welsh Government since July 2023. By mid-2024 it had delivered over £676m in cumulative financial impact, supported 2,600+ new product launches, and created or safeguarded over 11,000 jobs. The most recent rolling open-call was extended to 31 January 2026; continuation beyond that date is subject to Welsh Government budget settlement.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.