# BBSRC Proof of Concept

**Funder:** BBSRC
**Budget:** Up to £640,000 (80% of up to £800,000 FEC)
**Deadline:** 14 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 2 years
**Consortium:** Optional — industry and user project partners strongly encouraged; applications without project partners must explain how industry/users have shaped the project
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-translation-bbsrc-proof-of-concept-2026/
**Last verified:** 9 August 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Translates BBSRC-supported bioscience research into products, services or solutions delivering UK economic, societal or environmental impact. Applicants must have a direct link to current or previous BBSRC funding. International/overseas organisations and researchers based at overseas institutions are not eligible. Research organisation contributes 20% FEC; ODA activity is excluded.

## Summary

BBSRC Proof of Concept funds translational projects that convert recent BBSRC-supported bioscience research into products, services, or solutions with UK economic, societal, or environmental impact. Up to £640,000 is available for projects lasting up to two years, open to researchers with a current or prior BBSRC grant. Industry and user partners are strongly encouraged, and applications without them must articulate how external stakeholders have shaped the research direction.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with current or prior BBSRC grant funding
- UK-based applicants at recognised research organisations
- Bioscience projects ready to translate into commercial or public-facing products or services
- Teams with industry partners, or consortia planned around user organisations
- Applicants prepared to demonstrate economic, societal, or environmental pathway

## Key dates

- Deadline: 14 October 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage assessment
- Project duration: up to two years

## Tips for applicants

- BBSRC expects strong industry or user-sector involvement; if partners are absent, your application must explain explicitly how external stakeholders shaped the concept.
- Link your proposal directly to the BBSRC grant that seeded the idea; a clear chain from funded discovery to commercialisation or user application improves credibility.
- Proof of concept panels weight implementation feasibility and market/user readiness heavily, include milestones and go/no-go decision points, not only scientific novelty.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the BBSRC Proof of Concept grant?

Up to £640,000, representing 80% of up to £800,000 Full Economic Cost, with the research organisation contributing 20%.

### Who is eligible for BBSRC Proof of Concept?

Researchers based at UK organisations with a current or prior BBSRC grant. Overseas-based applicants and international organisations are not eligible.

### Do I need industry partners to apply?

No, but industry or user partners are strongly encouraged; applications without partners must explain how industry or users have shaped the project concept.

### How long can a Proof of Concept project last?

Up to two years.

### Can I apply if my BBSRC grant is finished?

Yes, prior BBSRC funding satisfies the eligibility criterion; you do not need an active grant.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/bbsrc-proof-of-concept-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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