£60k grants available for projects transforming adult skills and training with VocTech Activate

Organisations looking to innovate in adult vocational education will have another chance to secure funding through Ufi VocTech Trust’s upcoming grant fund.

VocTech Activate will open for applications in January to help innovators test and scale bold tech-driven ideas that can reshape vocational education for adults.

This fund offers grants of £30,000 to £60,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months.

VocTech Activate supports projects that are at a relatively early stage, helping to trial truly novel ideas, prove their potential and support your journey from innovative idea to market-ready, scalable solution.

Successful applicants will not only receive funding but also benefit from Ufi expertise and experience in the vocational technology sector. Many Ufi funded projects have gone on to achieve incredible things and have helped get adults learning across the UK.

TeacherMatic became one of Europe’s fastest growing generative AI toolsets for teachers after receiving VocTech Activate grant funding and support.

Hull College used VocTech Activate funding to develop their award-winning approach to live classroom translation to support refugees and asylum seekers in FE. They are demonstrating how the integration of digital tools can significantly enhance opportunities for individuals adapting to English language and culture while navigating their new lives.

VocTech Activate-supported organisations Totem Learning and Chrome Angel Solutions were shortlisted for Learning Technologies Awards, with Chrome Angel winning the Silver award for ‘Best technology-based learning game’.

This funding opportunity is ideal for organisations committed to transforming vocational education and addressing skills gaps. If you have an idea that could make a real difference for adult learners, now is the time to bring it to life.

Ufi advises applicants to check their eligibility using the Eligibility Checker tool and then book a pre-application workshop. The workshops provide further detail on the fund as well as additional guidance on preparing an application, and opportunities to ask questions of members of the Ufi team.

Applicants who attend one of the workshops are much more likely to submit a successful application. Previous attendees have said:

“[Ufi’s] workshop was one of the most informative, encouraging and transparent introductions I have been to. Thank you for the time you put into this.”

“This is the first time I have come across any funders that have had a workshop like this. I was left impressed and would highly recommend.”

Applications open on 6 January 2026 and will close on 3 February 2026.