Funding Opportunity: EPSRC Materials Innovation Partnerships

Apply for funding to support ambitious, collaborative research programmes.

Aim

This funding forms part of the National Materials Innovation Programme, announced, as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan in the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Objectives

Through this funding opportunity, EPSRC aims to support a portfolio of at least four ambitious, collaborative, fundamental research programmes, spanning the breadth of the six high-growth opportunity themes identified in the National Materials Innovation Strategy (NMIS).

These projects must be:

• co-created and co-delivered by business and academic partners
• add value under at least one of the six high-growth opportunity themes

By co-investing in basic and applied research projects alongside business, we aim to create long-term prosperity for the UK, for example by bringing jobs and revenue growth, or addressing broader societal and sustainability issues.

Projects should aim to:

• accelerate advanced materials research and development, focusing on real-world challenges
• speed up the translation of materials innovation towards industrial application
• develop novel or enhanced materials solutions to meet business needs
  

Project scope

Your project must focus on one of the six high-growth opportunity themes from the NMIS.

• Materials for energy solutions
• Materials for future healthcare
• Materials for structural innovations
• Materials for advances surface technologies
• Materials for next generation electronic, telecommunications and sensors
• Materials for consumer products, packaging and specialist polymers

Duration

The duration of this award is up to three and a half years, with a fixed start date of 1 October 2026.

Funding available

EPSRC have up to £7.5 million to invest in a minimum of four projects. The FEC of your project must be at least £312,500. EPSRC will fund £250,000 (80% of the FEC). We particularly encourage involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this funding opportunity. Involvement could be as a sole primary business, or as part of a consortium.

Deadline

EPSRC must receive your application by 14 May 2026 at 4:00pm UK time.

Who is eligible

This funding opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible.

Read the full informational document below for further information or applications.