The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) is a new type of R&D funding agency, launched by the UK Government in 2023 to fund breakthrough science and technology with the potential to transform lives, industries, and communities. It backs scientists and engineers to work at the very edge of what is possible – from programmable plants to completely new paradigms of computing, and precision neurotech. ARIA’s goal is not quick wins, but breakthroughs that could spark entirely new technologies and industries.

One of the elements that make ARIA distinctive is its focus on science entrepreneurship, turning risky, early-stage research into real-world impact. Programmes are only approved if they could position the UK to lead in a new global field, and funding is open to startups and entrepreneurs as well as academics. Already, over one third of ARIA’s research funding has gone to companies, and 10% of projects have catalysed the creation of new British startups or subsidiaries of international deep tech firms.

ARIA also takes an inventor-friendly approach: it does not own the intellectual property from the work it funds, instead encouraging spinouts to scale in the UK, while putting safeguards in place to ensure public benefit.

To ensure breakthroughs in the lab can grow into the companies and industries of tomorrow, securing long-term UK advantage, ARIA works through initiatives such as its Activation Partners — a coalition of startup builders, venture funds, and labs that train scientist-entrepreneurs, accelerate prototyping, and support commercial spinouts.

Further reading

Dan Cole

This entry was written by Dan Cole. Dan is currently the Chief of Staff at ARIA. He previously served as COO at UK healthtech startup Accurx, which supported the care of over 50 million NHS patients. Prior to this, Dan worked in strategy consulting focusing on sustainability.