UKRI Funding Opportunities (All Councils)

Future Offshore Wind Technologies: Feasibility Studies Grant

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Innovate UK have announced a £10 million grant funding opportunity for feasibility studies in offshore wind technologies. UK registered organisations, including SMEs leading collaborative projects, may apply for grant funding. The competition is open until 3 June 2026 at 11:00am UK time.

Strategic Longer and Larger sLoLa Grant Programme, £2M Minimum, Bioscience Research, Deadline 25 June 2026

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has announced the 2026-2027 Strategic Longer and Larger (sLoLa) grant funding round. Applications open 16 April 2026 and close 25 June 2026. The scheme supports large team-based curiosity-driven bioscience discovery research projects requiring a minimum full economic cost of £2 million, with BBSRC funding 80% of eligible costs. Projects may run up to five years in duration and must demonstrate potential for transformational advances in fundamental understanding of biological systems.

Contracts for Innovation: Enabling Commercial Quantum Networking, £20M

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, has opened a £20 million grant funding opportunity for the development of deployable prototypes of enabling components or sub-systems for commercial quantum networking. UK organisations may apply as lead applicants, either alone or with subcontractors, until the 20 May 2026 closing date at 11:00am UK time. The funding is inclusive of VAT and will be awarded to a single legal entity.

Frontier AI Benchmarking Datasets Grant Programme

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announces a funding opportunity through Innovate UK for Frontier AI Benchmarking Datasets. UK registered organisations can apply for grants up to £4.5 million to create, curate, annotate, and exploit FAIR-data and benchmarks supporting AI industry growth. Applications close 27 May 2026.

Full ADOPT Grant Round Seven Opens for English Farming Businesses

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Innovate UK announce the Full ADOPT (Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies) grant round seven, offering up to £5 million in funding for farming, growing, and forestry businesses in England. The competition opens 9 April 2026 and closes 3 June 2026 at 11:00am UK time. Eligible applicants must be established farming, growing, or forestry businesses based in England collaborating with at least one other UK farming business, and must submit on-farm trial and demonstration projects aimed at improving adoption of new agricultural ideas or solutions.

Doctoral Focal Award: Environmental Evidence Synthesis, £8.1M

UKRI announces a £8,144,000 Doctoral Focal Award for environmental evidence synthesis, co-funded by NERC and ESRC. Up to two doctoral focal awards will be funded, each receiving up to £4,072,000 to support 30 notional studentships across three annual intakes. Applications open 15 April 2026 and close 15 July 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. A notification of intent must be submitted by 27 May 2026.

£2.5M Frontier AI Feasibility Studies Grant - UK Organisations

UKRI/Innovate UK announces £2.5 million grant competition for UK organisations to develop feasibility studies for frontier AI and foundation models. Single applicants from UK businesses, research organisations, charities, nonprofits, public sector bodies, and NGOs may apply. Competition opens 14 April 2026 and closes 10 June 2026.

£10M UKRI Grant for Offshore Wind Industrial Research, Closes Jun 3

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Innovate UK have opened a £10 million grant competition for industrial research in offshore wind technologies. UK-registered businesses may apply in collaborative projects to share the funding. Applications close on 3 June 2026 at 11:00am UK time.

Solution Development for Advanced Connectivity Technologies

UKRI/Innovate UK, on behalf of the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT), announced a £25 million grant funding competition for UK organisations to develop secure, sustainable or sovereign connectivity technologies. Single applicants must be UK-registered SMEs; collaborative projects require a UK business as lead with at least one SME partner. Applications close 13 May 2026.

Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure Two: Alternative Fuels

UK Research and Innovation announced a £150 million grant funding opportunity for clean maritime solutions. The competition, co-funded by the Department for Transport and administered by Innovate UK, opens 26 June 2026 and closes 16 September 2026. UK registered organisations in collaborative partnerships can apply to develop, deploy, and operate zero-emission vessel technologies using alternative fuels for three years in real-world environments.

Particle Physics Experiment Consolidated Grants 2026 - Pre-announcement

UKRI/STFC has issued a pre-announcement for the Particle Physics Experiment Consolidated Grants 2026. The funding opportunity opens 27 April 2026 and closes 2 July 2026. The grant period runs 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2029 (24 months). STFC will fund 80% of Full Economic Cost. This grant round extends the 2024 consolidated grants and covers the remaining two years of the award cycle.

CfI: Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT): Call 1 - £15M Funding

UKRI and Innovate UK have opened a £15 million funding opportunity for UK registered organisations to develop near-term, testable connectivity solutions advancing the UK's Secure and Resilient and Sustainable Network Grand Challenges. This is the first call under the CfI: Advanced Connectivity Technologies programme. Individual awards can reach up to £2 million, with a closing date of 3 June 2026.

Biological Influence on Ocean Carbon: Novel Modelling Approaches

NERC and NASA have launched a joint funding opportunity for UK-US collaborative research on ocean carbon modelling. The grant supports novel modelling approaches to assess biological influences on ocean carbon storage. UK components receive up to £312,500 (80% FEC). Applications close 14 July 2026, and a notification of intent is required for eligibility.

Multiple Model Assessment of Biological Influence on Ocean Carbon

NERC and NASA announced a joint £625,000 grant opportunity for UK-US collaborative research on ocean carbon storage biological influences. UK researchers at eligible institutions can apply for up to £625,000 (80% FEC) to participate in the BIO-Carbon and EXPORTS programmes. Applications close 14 July 2026; notification of intent required by deadline.

ProQure Scaling UK Quantum Computing Funding Opportunity

Innovate UK announces £14 million in funding under the ProQure program to develop, build and validate integrated quantum computing hardware and software for commercial scale deployment. Applications close 29 May 2026 at 11:00am UK time. Eligible organisations of any size may apply, with contracts awarded to single legal entities.

ADR UK Academic Lead - Better Economic Data (HMRC/DWP)

ESRC has opened a £2,000,000 funding opportunity for an Academic Lead to support Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK) in partnership with DWP and HMRC. The successful applicant will work on linked economic datasets and public engagement activities from Autumn 2026 through March 2031. Applications close 21 May 2026 at 4:00pm UK time.

Pushing frontiers of environmental research

Pushing frontiers of environmental research, £950k NERC grant

ADR UK Academic Lead for MoJ Data First Programme

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, has announced a £500,000 grant opportunity for an Academic Lead to support the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Data First programme. Applications close 21 May 2026. The successful applicant will facilitate innovative research across the justice system using administrative data, with funding available through March 2031.

£7.1M EPSRC Grant for Optical Wireless Communications Research Facility

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced a funding opportunity for establishing an optical wireless communications research and testing facility. The total fund available is £7.125 million, with applications opening on March 27, 2026, and closing on May 13, 2026. This initiative aims to support advanced communications architecture research.

£150 million fund for zero emission vessels and infrastructure

Innovate UK and the Department for Transport have launched a £150 million fund for zero-emission vessels and infrastructure. UK registered organisations can apply for grants to develop and deploy clean maritime solutions over three years. The application window opens on March 26, 2026, and closes on September 16, 2026.

£97.6M Funding for Invite-Only Connectivity Hubs Programme

UKRI, through EPSRC, is offering £97.6 million in grant funding for the Future Connectivity Hubs Evolution Programme. This invite-only opportunity aims to advance UK connectivity technologies and requires invited hub organizations to apply by May 13, 2026.

£5.5M Funding for Advanced Connectivity Technologies Research Commercialisation

UKRI is offering £5.5 million in grant funding through the EPSRC ACT Proof of Concept fund to support the commercialisation of research in Advanced Connectivity Technologies. The funding opportunity is open to UK research organisations, with awards ranging from £100,000 to £500,000, and applications closing on May 27, 2026.

Clean Maritime Funding Opportunity: Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure 2

UKRI has opened a funding opportunity for UK registered organisations to develop, deploy, and operate innovative clean maritime solutions. Up to £150 million is available through Innovate UK, with applications closing on September 16, 2026.

£2 million funding for advanced manufacturing SMEs

Innovate UK is offering up to £2 million in grant funding for UK registered micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the advanced manufacturing sector. The funding is intended for pre-commercialisation projects aimed at developing high-growth potential within advanced manufacturing supply chains. Applications open on March 18, 2026, and close on April 22, 2026.

£7.5 million funding for medicines manufacturing labs

Innovate UK is offering up to £7.5 million in grant funding for UK registered businesses, specifically SMEs, to develop and utilize digital, automated, and robotic technologies in pharmaceutical process development and manufacturing. The funding aims to enhance speed and efficiency in the sector, with applications opening on April 13, 2026, and closing on May 27, 2026.

UKRI Diet and Health Collaborative R&D Grants Funding

UKRI has opened a call for collaborative research and development grants totaling £3.75 million to support innovations in diet and health for the UK population. The funding opportunity, managed by BBSRC and Defra, requires a 30% industry contribution and has a maximum award of £800,000 per project. Applications are open until May 27, 2026.

UKRI Funding: £600,000 for STFC Science Commercialisation

UKRI is offering up to £600,000 in grant funding for UK research organisations to commercialise STFC science, specifically from particle physics, astronomy, nuclear, and solar/planetary science communities. This is an 'intention to submit' stage, with the full scheme anticipated to open in June 2026.

UKRI Agri-Tech Manufacturing Experimental Development Funding

UKRI is offering up to £8 million in grant funding for UK registered businesses to accelerate agri-tech manufacturing through experimental development projects. The funding opportunity opens on March 30, 2026, and closes on June 3, 2026.

UKRI AgriScale Fund for Agri-Tech Manufacturing

UKRI, through Innovate UK, has launched a £5 million fund to support UK registered businesses in accelerating agri-tech manufacturing. The AgriScale opportunity aims to close technology gaps hindering commercial acceptance and scale-up. Applications open on March 30, 2026, and close on June 3, 2026.

ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships Funding Opportunity

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has opened applications for its postdoctoral fellowships, with a closing date of June 1, 2026. This opportunity aims to support early-career researchers in developing publications, networks, and professional skills following their PhD.

MRC Funding for Researchers Accessing Our Future Health Data

The Medical Research Council (MRC) has launched a pilot funding scheme offering up to £1 million to cover data access costs for eligible MRC-funded researchers using the Our Future Health data resource. This initiative aims to encourage research into predicting, detecting, and treating major diseases.

UKRI Funding for Materials Innovation Network Plus

UKRI is offering £4.75 million in funding for the establishment of a Materials Innovation Programme Coordination Network Plus. This initiative aims to coordinate a community around themes aligned with the National Materials Innovation Strategy, fostering collaboration between research and industrial stakeholders.

UKRI Funding for Secure Software Projects

UKRI, through Innovate UK, is offering up to £5 million in grant funding for collaborative projects focused on adopting the government's Software Security Code of Practice. The initiative aims to enhance the security and resilience of software supply chains. UK registered businesses can lead collaborations, which must include at least one UK registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise claiming grant funding.

UKRI AI Feasibility Study Fund for SMEs

UKRI has opened a funding opportunity for UK registered small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to deliver feasibility studies for frontier AI and machine learning technologies. Up to £3 million is available through Innovate UK, with applications closing on April 29, 2026.

UKRI AI Research Sandpit Funding Opportunity

UKRI is offering a £875,000 funding opportunity for an AI research sandpit using social science data. Expressions of interest are due by May 12, 2026, with the sandpit event scheduled for June 23-24, 2026. Successful participants may be invited to apply for project funding up to £230,000.

UKRI Funding for PET Imaging Data Platform

UKRI is offering £4.7 million in grant funding for the establishment of a National PET Imaging Platform Data Platform. The opportunity is open to eligible UK research organizations invited to apply, with applications opening on April 1, 2026, and closing on June 17, 2026.

AI Humanities Sandpits Funding Opportunity

UKRI has announced a new funding opportunity for AI humanities sandpits, with a total fund of £1,160,000. The opportunity is invite-only and requires attendance at a prior workshop. Applications open on May 5, 2026, and close on May 28, 2026.

Clean Maritime Technology Funding Opportunity

Innovate UK and the Department for Transport are offering up to £121 million in grants for innovative clean maritime technologies. UK registered organisations in collaboration can apply for funding, with the application window closing on July 15, 2026.

MRC Partnership Grant Funding Opportunity

The Medical Research Council (MRC) has announced a new partnership grant funding opportunity, opening on April 7, 2026. This grant aims to support collaborative activities between research teams, encouraging interdisciplinarity. Eligibility is restricted to UK-based research organizations and researchers.

MRC Research Grant Funding Opportunity

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is opening a new applicant-led research grant funding opportunity on April 7, 2026. Funding ranges from £400k to £3.1m, with grants typically covering up to 80% of full economic cost. The opportunity is open to eligible research organisations in the UK.

Funding for European Social Survey National Coordinator

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has announced a funding opportunity for a UK National Coordinator for the European Social Survey (ESS) Rounds 13 and 14. The total fund available is £2.31 million, with applications closing on May 21, 2026.

EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships 2027 Funding Opportunity

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced a £40 million funding opportunity for Prosperity Partnerships in 2027. Applications open on March 12, 2026, and close on May 21, 2026. This funding aims to support collaborative research programmes between established businesses and academic partners to foster long-term prosperity in the UK.

£121 Million Funding for Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is offering up to £121 million in grant funding for the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition 7. The funding is available for UK registered organisations collaborating on innovative clean maritime technologies, with applications opening on March 11, 2026, and closing on July 15, 2026.

UKRI Funding for Consumer-Led Flexibility Market Access Sandpit

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced a £1 million funding opportunity for a sandpit event focused on accelerating market access for consumer-led flexibility in the UK's energy market. The event aims to co-design prototype and minimum viable test products to address barriers to scaling flexibility, with successful projects eligible for funding.

NHS Dementia Challenge Funding Opportunity

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has opened a funding opportunity for the NHS Fit for the Future Dementia Challenge. Healthcare professionals, businesses, and researchers can submit expressions of interest by April 2, 2026, for innovations that could shorten dementia diagnosis times in the NHS.

EPSRC Materials Innovation Partnerships Funding Opportunity

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced a £7.5 million funding opportunity for Materials Innovation Partnerships. The program aims to foster collaboration between UK businesses and academic institutions to advance materials science, with applications opening on March 3, 2026, and closing on May 14, 2026.

UKRI Translation: Proof of Concept Funding Opportunity

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has opened a funding opportunity for its Translation: Proof of Concept programme. The total fund is £9,000,000, with awards ranging from £100,000 to £250,000. Applications are open to UK research organisations and close on May 13, 2026.

ADOPT Facilitator Support Grant Funding Opportunity

Innovate UK and Defra have opened applications for the ADOPT facilitator support grant round 7, offering £100,000 in total funding. Farming, growing, or forestry businesses in England can apply for grants of £2,500 to hire external facilitators for ADOPT grant applications. The application deadline is April 8, 2026.

ESRC Funding for Northern Ireland Election Study

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is offering £1.5 million in funding for the Northern Ireland Election Study, which will run from 2026 to 2031. The funding opportunity is open for applications from eligible UK research organisations.

UKRI 5G Assured Integration Grant Opportunity

Innovate UK has opened a grant opportunity for UK registered organisations to apply for a share of up to £18.5 million. The funding aims to integrate advanced connectivity components into assured end-to-end architectures. The application deadline is April 1, 2026.