# UKRI Translation: BBSRC Proof of Concept 2026

**Funder:** BBSRC
**Consortium:** Optional — project partners (industry, academia, third sector, government, UK or overseas) may contribute cash or in-kind; no minimum partner requirement stated for eligibility
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ukri-translation-bbsrc-proof-of-concept-2026/
**Last verified:** 9 August 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Formerly known as BBSRC Follow-on Fund. Supports translation and commercialisation of BBSRC-funded research. Applicants must be based at eligible UK research organisations. Project partners seeking access to foreground IP must contribute minimum 10–50% of total project costs. Assessed by BBSRC KETC College on scientific/technical merit, societal and economic impact, and route to market.

## Summary

BBSRC Proof of Concept funds the translation and commercialisation of BBSRC-backed research, supporting researchers based at eligible UK institutions to move discoveries toward market or deployment. Project partners from industry, academia, third sector, or government may co-invest with a minimum 10-50% cost share if they require access to foreground intellectual property. The scheme is assessed on scientific merit, societal and economic impact, and commercial viability.

## Who should apply

- Researchers holding BBSRC grants or managing BBSRC-funded research ready for translation or commercialisation
- Teams based at eligible UK research institutions
- Projects with identified commercial or societal routes to market
- Researchers willing to partner with industry, third sector, or government where partner co-investment is sought

## Key dates

- Applicant webinar on 19 August 2026
- Assessment process aims to complete within six months of application receipt

## Tips for applicants

- Lead with the route-to-market narrative: BBSRC assesses commercialisation viability and societal impact, not only the science.
- If you need partner IP access, budget the 10-50% cost share explicitly and secure a signed letter of intent before submission.
- The BBSRC KETC College panel values clarity on market need and competitive position; avoid pure scientific claims without commercial grounding.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the BBSRC Proof of Concept scheme?

It funds translation and commercialisation of BBSRC-backed research, helping discoveries move toward market or societal deployment.

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

Researchers based at eligible UK institutions holding or managing BBSRC-funded research ready for translation or commercialisation.

### Can I have partners on a BBSRC Proof of Concept project?

Yes, project partners from industry, academia, third sector, or government may contribute cash or in-kind support; if they need foreground IP access, they must co-invest 10-50% of total project costs.

### How long does the BBSRC assessment take?

BBSRC aims to complete assessment within six months of your application receipt.

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

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