The Henry Royce Institute has opened the sixth round of its Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP6), offering up to £4 million to support collaborative research and innovation projects that accelerate the development of advanced materials. The call focuses on challenges identified in the National Materials Innovation Strategy and aims to drive the translation of world leading UK research into commercial and societal impact.
ICP6 invites proposals from partnerships that may include businesses, universities, and Research Technology Organisations, with total project costs amounting between £50,000 and £130,000 – each collaboration can involve up to three partners. The programme supports research and innovation sprint projects that tackle national priorities and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in materials science and engineering.
The call places particular emphasis on projects that address key strategic themes. These include:
- Energy Solutions
- Future Healthcare
- Structural Innovations
- Advanced Surface Technologies and Materials Durability
- Next-Generation Electronics, Telecommunications and Sensors
- Consumer Products, Packaging and Specialist Polymers
Projects embedding sustainable by design principles or materials 4.0 approaches are particularly encouraged.
Applications for ICP6 open on 1 December 2025. A briefing webinar will take place on 3 December 2025 to support potential applicants. The deadline for submissions is 16 February 2026. Successful projects are expected to begin on 1 July 2026.
ICP6 forms part of Royce’s flagship funding initiative, which has already enabled hundreds of organisations to collaborate on high impact research. By supporting innovation across the full materials value chain, the Industrial Collaboration Programme strengthens national resilience, boosts productivity, and supports the development of highly skilled employment across the UK.
More information on the funding call, including full eligibility criteria and application guidance, can be found using the links below.
Links:
Find out more about ICP6 here
Access information on the briefing webinar here.
