The UK Government has announced a £8.9 million investment to fast-track 16 cutting-edge innovation projects, removing outdated regulatory barriers and enabling technologies like AI, drones, and robotics to reach the public faster.
Delivered through the Regulatory Innovation Office, this funding follows the Regional Investment Summit and supports a wide range of transformative initiatives, from drone blood deliveries in Scottish islands to AI apps helping the London Fire Brigade assess risk and robotic street sweepers in Milton Keynes.
The RIO, chaired by Lord Willetts, is leading efforts to create a streamlined, pro-innovation regulatory environment. Over the past year, its work has enabled:
- A £23 million drone inspection contract with National Grid
- Faster risk assessments for drone use, in a sector projected to be worth £45 billion by 2030
- Extended trials of drone blood delivery services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals
- Support for the UK’s space sector, including satellite life-extension and debris removal, unlocking a £2.7 billion market by 2031
The funded projects will improve public services and support British businesses to scale and trade globally. Examples include AI tools to speed up clinical trial approvals, smartphone apps for local authority risk assessments, and robotics for urban maintenance and clean energy
The RIO’s holistic approach includes direct engagement with innovators, capability-building for regulators, and funding for new regulatory models. It is also launching a Spring 2026 AI hackathon in partnership with IBM, and expanding collaboration with organisations like CBI, Tech UK, and the Start-Up Coalition.
Secretary of State for Science and Technology, Liz Kendall, commented:
“Every day across the country new products are being invented that have the potential to transform lives and revolutionise public services.
“But all too often, we are held back from taking advantage of them by red tape that simply hasn’t kept pace with the scientific and technological advances.
“That’s why we’re backing our regulators to work together with industry, to make the rules fit for purpose, and unlock breakthroughs that will deliver national renewal by driving our economy forwards faster, easier, and safely.”
A new report has outlined the RIO’s achievements and future priorities, including:
- Reforming regulation in healthcare, engineering biology, and financial services
- Creating direct routes for innovators to engage with regulators
- Strengthening collaboration between industry and government
The Regulators’ Pioneer Fund, now in its fourth round, continues to support regulators in trialling new, efficient approaches that help businesses bring innovations to market faster—central to the government’s Plan for Change.
Image credit: iStock
