PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT: UKRI Translation: Proof of Concept

  • Start Date:

  • Deadline:

  • Agency:
    UK Research and Innovation, Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Medical Resea

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), highlights the upcoming UKRI Translation: Proof of Concept funding opportunity. This programme, offered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and its councils, supports the commercialization of research through development of new products, processes, or services.

Programme Overview
The scheme funds projects that translate research outputs into practical applications via venture creation, licensing, or other commercial routes. Applications from any discipline are welcome, but discovery or curiosity-driven research is not funded. Projects should demonstrate clear potential for impact and commercialization.

Key Details

  • Funders: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC, MRC, NERC, STFC

  • Funding Type: Grant

  • Total Fund: £9,000,000

  • Award Range: £100,000 – £250,000

  • Project Duration: Up to 9 months

  • UKRI Contribution: 80% of Full Economic Cost (FEC)

  • Submission Deadline: 13 May 2026, 4:00 PM UK time

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be based at a UK research organization eligible for UKRI funding

  • Projects must focus on research commercialization activities rather than discovery research

Funding Scope
The grant supports:

  • Development of new products, processes, or services

  • Venture creation or spin-out activities

  • Licensing and other commercial exploitation of research outputs

  • Short-term, focused proof-of-concept studies

How to Apply
Full guidelines and application details are available at:
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-translation-proof-of-concept/

This opportunity enables researchers to advance research outputs toward commercial impact through structured proof-of-concept activities.