upcomingGrantCollaborative R&D
Doctoral focal award: UKRI venture doctorates
Executive Summary
This upcoming UKRI funding opportunity provides a £25 million focal award to academic institutions combining rigorous doctoral research training with entrepreneurship, enabling students to simultaneously advance knowledge and launch a new business.
Expected Launch
December 2026
Funding Body
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Eligible Applicants
Academic, RTO
Funding Available & Project Rates
£25 million for one award (total of 1 to 3 new doctoral focal awards expected)
Official PortalView Competition Brief
Target Sectors
advanced manufacturingbiotechnologysemiconductorsspace technologyclean energynet zerohealthcaredigital technology
Technology Scope
doctoral trainingentrepreneurshipventure creationcommercialisationresearch and development
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Competition Scope & Overview
One to three new doctoral focal awards that combine training in research with training in entrepreneurship, with the doctoral student making both a contribution to new knowledge and developing a new business. Lead: UKRI