The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has launched a new funding call to support ambitious collaborations between academia and industry through Materials Innovation Partnerships. With a total fund of £7.5 million, the programme aims to accelerate materials research that can deliver long-term economic prosperity for the UK.
The call invites collaborative research programmes co-created and co-delivered by business and academic partners. Projects must align with one or more of the six high-growth opportunity themes identified in the UK’s National Materials Innovation Strategy, ensuring that funded work targets areas with strong potential for national impact.
EPSRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC) of successful projects. Importantly, industry partners must match the EPSRC contribution with a cash investment, reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on meaningful business engagement and real-world application.
Awards will range from £250,000 upwards supporting substantial partnerships capable of delivering ambitious research and innovation outcomes.
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.
The call will close on 14 May 2026 (4:00pm UK time).
