Maximise Your Innovate UK Assessment Score with Expert Support
Applying for Innovate UK funding is one of the most competitive challenges an SME can face. With success rates as low as five percent, even strong ideas can fail if the application does not match what assessors are looking for. That is where our Innovate UK Assessment and Scoring Service makes the difference. For £499, we provide a full assessor-style review of your draft, giving you the insight you need to strengthen your submission before it reaches Innovate UK assessors.
This post explains how the Innovate UK assessment process works, what assessors are looking for, and how our service is designed to prepare you for success.
Stage One: Eligibility and Scope in the Innovate UK Assessment
Every Innovate UK assessment begins with eligibility and scope checks. If your project does not clearly demonstrate that it fits the competition brief, it will not be considered further.
How we help: Our reviewers highlight whether your answers convincingly show alignment with the competition scope. We flag gaps or weak language so assessors immediately see that your project is eligible.
Stage Two: Independent Innovate UK Assessment
Once past eligibility, your application is scored by independent assessors against Innovate UK’s published criteria. Assessors work independently, cannot give you the benefit of the doubt, and can only award marks for information written in your application.
How we help: We replicate this process, scoring your answers exactly as an Innovate UK assessor would. You receive detailed feedback and indicative scoring so you know where you stand before submission.
An Example from Innovate UK Assessment Criteria: Question 6 – Project Proposal
The criteria below are taken directly from the Innovate UK Assessment Guidance for the Innovation Loan Round 23. Assessors ask:
“What is the business need, technological challenge or market opportunity behind your innovation? What approach will you take and where will the focus of the innovation be?”
Here’s the difference between a mid-range and a top score.
- A 15/20 answer is solid but not compelling. The motivation is clear, the innovation is described, and competitor differentiation may be mentioned, but without strong data or detailed justification. Readiness levels are outlined but not fully explained, and the link to previous innovation activity is present but unconvincing. Assessors can see the value, but they are left with doubts.
- A 20/20 answer is comprehensive and inspiring. It presents a compelling business motivation, evidences the innovation against the state of the art, and demonstrates clear freedom to operate. Competitor differentiation is backed with strong evidence, readiness levels are justified using recognised scales, and wider economic, social, and environmental factors are addressed. The project’s link to previous innovation activity is clear, and the case for competitiveness and commercial success is unambiguous.
This example shows exactly how our Innovate UK Assessment service pinpoints the difference between a “good” answer and a “winning” one.