About this call
Collaborative industrial research competition supporting the translation and adoption of advanced materials innovations across prioritised high-growth and strategic opportunity themes.
Deadlines
Dates retained against this verified version of the call.
Competition closes
28 October 2026 · 11:00 · Europe/London
Verified requirements
Requirements are grouped so you can scan the rules that matter instead of reading one long flat list.
Consortium composition
8 requirementsAt least two grant-claiming partners
Hard RequirementA collaborative project must have at least two organisations claiming grant funding.
Effective collaboration must be evidenced
Hard RequirementThe application must explain why the partners are collaborating and how the collaboration will work.
No single organisation above 70% of eligible project costs
LimitNo single partner may account for more than 70% of the project's eligible costs.
At least one funded UK SME
Hard RequirementAt least one UK registered SME in the consortium must claim grant funding.
At least one named eligible end user
Hard RequirementThe project must include at least one named end user from an IS-8 sector with a clear project role.
UK sanctions screening required
Hard RequirementLead, partners, subcontractors and relevant connected entities must not create a prohibited UK sanctions exposure.
Funded collaborators must be eligible UK organisation types
Hard RequirementA funded collaborator must be an eligible UK registered business, academic institution, charity, not-for-profit, public sector organisation or RTO.
Non-funded overseas partners are permitted
InformationalThe project may include non-funded overseas partners; they are not subject to the funded-partner UK work rule in the same way.
Participant eligibility
4 requirementsSubcontracting limited to 30% of eligible project costs
LimitSubcontractors may account for no more than 30% of total eligible project costs.
Funded work and exploitation must be UK-centred
Hard RequirementFunded organisations must carry out their project work in the UK, intend to exploit the results in the UK and spend most funding in the UK.
Lead must be a UK registered business
Hard RequirementThe project lead must be a UK registered business of any size.
Project must align to an eligible theme and sub-theme
Hard RequirementThe proposal must align with one eligible materials theme and at least one associated sub-theme.
Scope & topic conditions
1 requirementProject must be collaborative industrial research
Hard RequirementThe project must be a collaborative industrial research project.
Budget & funding
3 requirementsCredible UK route to scale and commercialisation
Expected Scoring RelevantThe proposal must demonstrate a credible route to commercialisation, deployment and scale in the UK.
Competition funding allocation
InformationalUp to £12 million is allocated across the competition.
Grant request must be between £500,000 and £1 million
LimitThe total grant request must be between £500,000 and £1 million.
Project conditions
1 requirementProject duration must be 18 to 30 months
Hard RequirementThe project must last between 18 and 30 months.