Explore Play Wales
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has launched an Innovation in Play funding competition to improve child outcomes. Organisations can apply for a share of £3 million allocated for this competition.
The aim of the competition is to support organisations to develop practical solutions that reignite the importance of play and increase access to real world play environments and experiences, enhancing the quality and impact of play in improving outcomes for children and young people.
UKRI is seeking evidence informed, innovative solutions that meet one or more of the following criteria:
- leverage play as a mechanism to improve children’s learning, development, health, happiness and wellbeing
- reduce inequalities in access to enriching play experiences and environments
- support families, caregivers, educators and communities to engage in and facilitate play
- strengthen the role of play across home, education, and community environments. There should be a particular focus on opportunities that encourage different types of play, including social, imaginative, constructive, sensory and physically engaging play.
The majority of the project work and key deliverables must be carried out in the UK, and most of the funding spent within the UK.
Closing date for applications: 28 October 2026 (11:00am)