Deadline Date: May 14, 2026
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is seeking applications from UK organisations and academic partners to develop and commercialise secure, sustainable, and sovereign next-generation connectivity technologies under the DSIT-funded Advanced Connectivity Technologies programme.
The focus areas, objectives, priorities, and themes of this opportunity include Secure and Resilient Networks, Sustainable Networks, and the ISF Strategic Focus on Sovereign Telecoms Components and Applications, all aligned with strengthening UK security, resilience, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness through advanced communications technologies and innovation-driven development, demonstration, and commercialisation.
This competition, delivered by Innovate UK as part of UK Research and Innovation, provides grant funding from £200,000 to £5 million per project, with total programme investment of up to £25 million subject to high quality applications and funding availability. Projects are expected to last between 3 and 24 months and must start by 1 September 2026 and end by 31 August 2028, with all work carried out in the UK and clear intent to exploit outcomes within the UK innovation ecosystem.
Eligible applicants include UK registered businesses of varying sizes, research and technology organisations, academic institutions, charities, not-for-profit organisations, and public sector bodies, with lead organisations required to meet specific eligibility conditions depending on whether the project is collaborative or delivered by an SME.
The competition encourages collaboration with academic partners and highlights the potential use of national research and innovation infrastructure such as Catapult Networks, EPSRC-funded Federated Connectivity Hubs, and the JOINER testbed to support development and validation of technologies. Funding decisions are competitive, and even high scoring applications may not be funded due to budget constraints, strategic allocation, and eligibility or compliance considerations, with all awards subject to business case approval and adherence to UKRI requirements.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
