UKRI Translation: EPSRC ACT Proof of Concept

This invited full-application stage closed at 4pm UK time on 3 September 2026. It supported early to mid-stage commercialisation of Advanced Connectivity Technologies arising from existing engineering and physical sciences research. Projects had expected full economic costs of £100,000 to £500,000, with EPSRC funding 80%, subject to business-case approval. The £5.55 million figure is the total programme budget, not an individual award. Invited applicants based at UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding. The project lead must meet EPSRC’s role and employment requirements. Proposals must directly build on a relevant prior award that started on or after 1 January 2020; that funding may have come from UKRI, Horizon Europe, government, industry or other eligible sources. Work must be primarily within EPSRC’s remit and address secure and resilient networks, sustainable networks, or both. Business partners should support the commercialisation route. UK eligibility is nationwide. This round is closed. Only invited applicants could submit the full application through the UKRI Funding Service, via their lead research organisation. The earlier undated listing and later invite-only title refer to the same opportunity, not separate open calls. Check UKRI for any separately announced future round.