The Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) offers funding to help Glasgow City-based businesses to develop new products, services and solutions using artificial intelligence (AI).

The fund will help digital technology companies that offer AI as a service to work with a customer to create a solution for a specific challenge. It will also support businesses that want to work with an AI company to develop new products or services that solve a specific challenge.

The fund can provide up to £10,000 to help you cover the costs of producing a feasibility study or proof of concept for your project.

You’ll need to apply with a partner. You can be either:

• a digital AI technology company working in partnership with a customer
• a company that offers products or services and is working with an AI technology partner

The lead applicant for your project must be based in Glasgow City. Your partner or customer can be based anywhere in Scotland, the UK or internationally.

Yes, if your company:

• is located within the Glasgow City boundaries
• is a small to medium-sized enterprise
• intends to use AI to develop an innovative product or service, or is a technology company that offers AI as a service
• is able to apply with a named partner

Your project must:

• have a lead applicant based in the Glasgow City Council area
• run for no more than 2 months after the date you receive your grant offer
• be completed by 21 March 2025

Businesses in any sector are eligible to apply if your project meets the criteria. Preference will be given to projects in the following sectors:

• health and life sciences
• energy and net zero
• advanced manufacturing
• digital and creative industries
• financial services
• clean technology (cleantech)
• quantum
• Internet of Things (IoT)

Your project should follow the Scottish Government’s policy on AI strategy and be trustworthy, ethical and inclusive.

According to UK subsidy control rules, you cannot receive a grant if it will cause you to exceed your minimal financial assistance allowance of £315,000 (or if applicable, your de minimis threshold) during the current and past 2 financial years. If this funding may put you over the threshold, an adviser will get in touch to discuss your options.

You can read the full eligibility criteria on the Glasgow City Innovation District website.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available. You'll need to cover any additional costs through other sources.

Companies in Glasgow City that plan to use AI to develop new products or services, or that offer AI as a service.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 10 January 2025.

You'll be notified of the results by 17 January 2025.

Your project can run for a maximum of 2 months from the date of your grant offer. All projects must be completed by 21 March 2025.

Your project can run for a maximum of 2 months from the date of your grant offer. All projects must be completed by 21 March 2025.

After you complete your project, you'll need to provide data on the outcomes and the impact the grant has had on your and your partner's businesses. 

Your project should follow the Scottish Government’s policy on AI strategy and be trustworthy, ethical and inclusive.

Visit the Glasgow City Innovation District website to find out more and apply.