Welsh Government.
The SMART Digital & Productivity Accelerator is a Welsh Government-funded initiative designed to help organisations across Wales harness digital technologies to boost productivity and accelerate new product development (NPD). Delivered by a partnership that includes ITERATE Design and Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru and Enterprise Professional Services, the programme provides expert, hands-on support through two focused streams:
Advice on digital methods for improving productivity, and guidance on accelerating NPD using cutting-edge tools and techniques.
This fully-funded service includes a 3-day diagnostic to identify opportunities and challenges, with the potential of additional further assistance of up to 5 days implementation support. With expertise in Industry 5.0, automation, additive manufacturing, digital design, and process innovation, our team empowers Welsh organisations to future proof operations, increase resilience, and commercialise innovation.
The programme forms a key delivery strand of the Welsh Government’s Innovation Strategy and complements the SMART Flexible Innovation Support (SFIS) programme – supporting economic growth and sustainable development across the region.
Support Process.
We provide a structured, high-impact support process that begins with a simple application and progresses through a tailored diagnostic and implementation journey. This process is designed to identify productivity and innovation opportunities using cutting-edge digital tools. Through collaborative site visits, comprehensive analysis, and focused implementation support, we help Welsh organisations unlock tangible improvements in operational efficiency and product development.
EOI & Application
Contact us to determine whether your business is eligible for support. If you are a start-up company, you will need to supply a business plan and demonstrate that you’re in a position to act upon the outcome of the consultancy advice provided. If you are a small to medium-sized enterprise who is based in Wales, you will be asked to complete a short application.
Company Visit
If approved, a consultant will contact you to arrange a company visit. The purpose of the visit is to provide the nominated consultant with sufficient insight to enable them to undertake a business diagnostic; identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats within the area of either digital new product development or productivity.
3-Day Diagnostic
Following the company visit, the consultant will prepare their written diagnostic report. The diagnostic report will be comprehensive; highlighting recommendations for business improvement within the preferred area of expertise. The report will be delivered electronically, and supported by an online or in-person meeting to discuss the content.
Follow-on Support
If the consultant identifies opportunities for follow-on support, an additional application can be made to assist the company in implementing some or all of the highlighted recommendations. The process for applying for 5-days of support is streamlined, providing the proposed activities align with the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015).
5-Day Implementation
An additional company visit may be required; implementation support will include the introduction of new technologies, refining processes, or supporting the development of new products. At the end of the implementation period, a final report will be prepared to document the activities completed and outcomes achieved.
Expert Advice.
All support is structured to align with commercialisation goals and sustainable development principles. Through diagnostics and implementation, the programme helps businesses build smarter, more resilient operations with measurable impact for both their organisations and the wider Welsh economy. The SMART Digital & Productivity Accelerator offers expert guidance across a broad spectrum of expertise, which includes:
Case Studies.
From advanced manufacturing to medtech and clean energy, our support has helped businesses across Wales unlock new efficiencies, accelerate product development, and adopt cutting-edge digital technologies.