Innovate UK is inviting ambitious and innovative companies to participate in its Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP), designed to help UK businesses grow and scale on a global stage. The programme facilitates the building of R&D and innovation collaborations, fosters partnerships, and accelerates market access. This specific initiative is centered around a market visit to Helsinki, Finland, which includes access to the Slush 2026 conference. The programme offers a unique opportunity to understand the investor ecosystem, develop a robust investment strategy and investor deck, and connect with potential investors, partners, and technology collaborators. Participants will also receive bespoke support from an Innovate UK Business Growth innovation and growth specialist to leverage contacts and knowledge gained, progress investment opportunities, and support their overall growth journey.
Programme Overview
Successful applicants will engage in an intensive 9-12 month, three-phase programme with continuous support from an innovation and growth specialist.
• Get Ready Phase: A two-day preparation workshop focused on building knowledge of the funding ecosystem, developing investment readiness, honing skills to articulate value propositions, and refining pitches.
• Visit the Market Phase: A 4-day tailored visit to Helsinki, Finland, to explore investment and innovation opportunities firsthand. This includes access to Slush 2026, pre-arranged meetings, and focused networking events with investors and potential collaborators.
• Exploit the Opportunity Phase: An exploitation workshop combined with one-to-one bespoke support from an innovation and growth specialist to help follow-up and maximise the opportunities identified during the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this Global Business Innovation Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a UK-based, technology-led company with high growth potential.
• Operate within the specified focus themes of video games or advertising and marketing technologies.
• Be a company with fewer than 250 employees.
• The representative must be the CEO, founder, or a senior decision-maker in the business.
• Be able to attend all workshops and complete all programme activities.
• Note: A company is only able to participate in one of the three linked GBIPs (Finland, Japan, or USA).
Focus Areas
The programme is targeted at companies within two primary sectors:
• Video Games: Innovative products, platforms, and services supporting the development, publishing, distribution, monetisation, operation, and commercial growth of video games. This includes games technology, development tools, publishing infrastructure, and player engagement platforms. Not in scope are individual games, content-only projects, or the use of game engines in non-gaming sectors.
• Advertising and Marketing: Innovative products, platforms, and services that support the creation, delivery, optimisation, measurement, and commercial effectiveness of advertising, marketing, public relations, and communications. This includes AdTech, MarTech, and related creative technology linked to audience engagement, campaign performance, and brand growth. Not in scope are standard CRM tools, customer service platforms, or e-commerce operations systems.
Destination Highlight: Finland and Slush 2026
Finland is one of the fastest-growing startup areas in Europe, and Slush is a globally recognised founder-focused event. Slush 2026 will bring together visionary founders, investors, and global influencers to share knowledge and fuel new ventures. The event provides opportunities to connect with over 3,300 investors and 5,800 startup founders.
• Example Itinerary:
• Sunday: Travel to Helsinki
• Monday: Orientation, Company Visit & Cultural Experience
• Tuesday: Founders Day and Side Events
• Wednesday: Slush 2026 Main and Side Events
• Thursday: Slush 2026, Side Events
• Friday: Return to UK
Programme Benefits
Participants in the programme can expect to gain significant advantages, including:
• Build knowledge and market intelligence.
• Hone value proposition, investor deck, and pitching skills.
• Connect with investors, ambitious founders, and global influencers.
• Raise company profile and stimulate new business opportunities.
• Seed new business partnerships and develop R&D collaborations.
• Expand professional networks and learn from like-minded businesses.
Associated Programmes
This GBIP is one of three distinct opportunities. Applicants must choose the single most appropriate programme for their business.
• Finland, Helsinki (Slush): Gaming, Adtech and Martech (November 2026)
• Japan: Music (Early 2027)
• USA, Austin (SXSW): Screen and Adtech (March 2027)
Key Dates and Application Details
• Applicant Briefing: 15 July 2026, 1:00 PM
• Application Deadline: 30 July 2026
• Application Outcome Notification: 18 September 2026
• Get Ready Workshop: 8 & 9 October 2026
• Market Visit: 15 – 20 November 2026
• Exploit the Opportunity Workshop: 21 January 2027
Programme Costs and Funding
This is a fully funded support opportunity, not a monetary grant. Innovate UK will fund and organise flights, accommodation, in-market travel, and conference fees for one representative from each successful company. A commitment fee of £1000 will be required upon acceptance, which is refunded upon completion of the full programme. Non-completion may result in forfeiting the commitment fee.
This Global Business Innovation Programme offers a structured and supported pathway for high-potential UK companies in the gaming, adtech, and martech sectors to forge international connections and accelerate their growth. Innovate UK is committed to improving diversity and welcomes applications from under-represented groups. Interested parties are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and key dates to take advantage of this strategic opportunity.