The Digit Innovation Fund supports innovative research projects that advance our understanding of how digital technologies are transforming work.

A total of £500,000 will be awarded over the life of the Digit Research Centre (2020-2024) through this fund to complement our core Digit research programme.

We are now inviting applications for the fourth round of Digit Innovation Funding.

Application guidance

Proposals should align with our research programme and relate to how digital technologies are transforming work.

We are particularly interested to receive applications that incorporate plans to engage with stakeholders. This could include policy forums, roundtables, or other creative ways to engage those working in business, third sector and policy.

Proposals may focus on businesses and / or business needs (Digit Research Themes 2 and 3), current UK policy development (all Research Themes) and third sector organisations, particularly those focusing on inequalities and the disconnected (Digit Research Theme 4).

Funding available

In this round, funding is available for projects which cost between £10,000 to £50,000 fEC and start by 1 December 2023. Projects must fully conclude by 30 September 2024.

Projects must be costed at 100% full economic cost (fEC) and will usually be funded at 80% fEC, according to UKRI guidelines.

The fund is open to research organisations across the UK.

Application process

Please read the Guidance documents below in full before applying.

The FAQs are likely to answer many questions and will be updated in response to any additional questions.

Key dates

Milestone Date
Application closing date Wednesday, 30 August 2023 by 5pm BST
Decision communicated to applicants Mid/late October 2024
Project start date No later than 1 December 2023
Project end date By 30 September 2024

Contact

For further information, please contact Megan McMichael, Centre Manager: digit@sussex.ac.uk.

Funded Projects

Projects funded in previous rounds are listed below.

The projects funded in Round 1 are:

These projects have now concluded.

The projects funded in Round 3 are:

These projects will conclude in August 2023.