How It Works

Ufi grant funding

Every year we look to our strategy, the climate we are operating in and the priority challenges and decide which funding calls are most likely to have the biggest impact in the year ahead.

Funding Calls

Funding types

We operate either single grant funding calls for a specific type of project or 'Challenge' calls where we may combine our funding types to test out different approaches.

Live and future funding calls will be published on our website, with clear instructions for how and when to apply.

We use our flexible approach to funding and project management to ensure that all those we work with have the best chance of success.

Current grant funding types

  • VocTech Ignite - Our earliest stage support for those new to grant funding or needing extra help to bring their ideas to life.
  • VocTech Seed – Our test bed where the first spark of an idea can be scoped and tested in the supportive environment that Ufi funding provides.
  • VocTech Impact - Our launchpad for projects that have a well-developed idea, can deliver to a large number of learners during the project period, and have clear routes to market after the funding ends.

Explore projects we have funded

VocTech directory

Ventures

Our VocTech Ventures investment opportunities are open for proposals at any time.

You can find out more and how to contact our team here

Investment opportunities

VocTech Amplify – Our ‘invitation only’ fund for organisations who have previously received grant funding from Ufi, are at an early stage of commercialisation and have the potential to raise commercial investment in the future.

VocTech Investments – Our seed investment process for companies with the potential to advance our mission and demonstrate market rate returns.There are common themes in the work we look to fund.

How is Ufi funding different?

We will use our funding over the next five years to support innovators in this fast-moving world – showcasing how learning really impacts the workplace and demonstrating how scale can be achieved to involve many new learners.


We aim to develop a spectrum of projects, both early stage and near market, that showcase the best of digital vocational technology and have the potential for significant impact on the scale of people accessing vocational skills.


Our focus is on the 'unloved', those professions, communities, industries and skill levels that are undervalued or under supported - where we believe we can have most significant impact.


We aim to create a community of developers and learning providers that are working at the cutting edge of learning technologies to ensure that vocational learning becomes an attractive market for future investment.


Our funding is patient and supportive – we are with you on your journey, whatever the twists and turns, to offer support from our community and make sure our funding creates a real difference.

Funding Calls