AIRR Heterogeneous Supercomputer Host Site and Data Centre Grant Competition
- Funding
- £150,000,000 – £180,000,000
- Deadline
- 25 November 2026
- Location
- England
- Applications
- Deadline: 25 November 2026
Overview
BIST is looking for a UK university or public sector research body to host a major AI supercomputer. The grant pays for building, expanding, or upgrading a data centre to house the system. This includes power, cooling, networking, and site preparation. It does not cover running costs, which will be funded separately. Up to around £180 million is available. Applications close on 25 November 2026.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Applicant must be a UK Higher Education Institution or Public Sector Research Establishment
- Proposal must demonstrate delivery capability and value for money
- Proposal must show alignment with long-term UK compute ambitions
- Grant covers data centre infrastructure only, not operational costs
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
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Start freeWho is this for?
This grant is for UK Higher Education Institutions and Public Sector Research Establishments only. You must be able to host a nationally significant AI computing system and demonstrate long-term delivery capability. It is not for charities, private companies, or individuals.
Regions
Full details from Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) invites applications from UK Higher Education Institutions and Public Sector Research Establishments to host a heterogeneous supercomputer (“the System”), part of the UK AI Research Resource (AIRR) programme. BIST will fund construction, expansion or upgrade of the data centre needed to host the System, including power, cooling, networking and site preparation. The host will provide the home for a nationally significant AI computing capability. Proposals should show delivery capability, value for money and alignment with long-term UK compute ambitions. The grant covers data centre infrastructure only; operation will be funded separately. Funding of up to approximately £180 million is anticipated, subject to approvals.
How to apply
Apply directly to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Your proposal must show delivery capability, value for money, and alignment with UK computing ambitions. Check BIST's official channels for application portal details and submission requirements.
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Create free accountLast updated: 11 November 2026