# NQS Mission 2: Components, Systems and Architectures

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** Up to £2.56M FEC (EPSRC funds £2.05M, 80% FEC)
**Deadline:** 24 November 2026 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 33 months, latest start date 31 May 2027
**Consortium:** Required — at least one project partner from academia, industry, government or the wider quantum ecosystem, unless justified otherwise
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/nqs-mission-2-components-systems-and-architectures/
**Last updated:** 20 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports UK National Quantum Strategy Mission 2 research into quantum networking components, systems and architectures. UK research organisations only; applications via UKRI Funding Service (not Je-S); PhD studentships not fundable; expects engagement with the Mission 2 Coordination Network.

## Summary

This EPSRC call funds research into quantum networking components, systems and architectures under UK National Quantum Strategy Mission 2, offering up to £2.56M FEC (EPSRC covers £2.05M at 80% FEC) for projects of up to 33 months. It is a one-off, single-stage call open only to UK research organisations, and requires at least one project partner from academia, industry, government or the wider quantum ecosystem unless justified otherwise.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at UK research organisations
- Teams working on quantum networking components, systems or architectures
- Applicants able to secure at least one academic, industry, government or quantum-ecosystem partner
- Projects able to engage with the Mission 2 Coordination Network

## Key dates

- Deadline 24 November 2026, 16:00 UK time
- Single-stage application via the UKRI Funding Service
- Up to 33 months duration, latest start date 31 May 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Apply through the UKRI Funding Service, not Je-S, check account access early given the November deadline.
- Secure and document your required project partner early; the call expects justification if none is included.
- Budget for 80% FEC funding from EPSRC and plan the remaining costs, and note PhD studentships cannot be funded from this call.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the EPSRC NQS Mission 2 call provide?

Projects can total up to £2.56M FEC, with EPSRC funding £2.05M at 80% FEC.

### Who can apply for the NQS Mission 2 call?

Only UK research organisations are eligible, and the project must include at least one partner from academia, industry, government or the wider quantum ecosystem unless justified otherwise.

### How long can NQS Mission 2 projects run?

Projects can run for up to 33 months, with a latest start date of 31 May 2027.

### Is this a recurring EPSRC call?

No, it is listed as a one-off call with a single application stage.

### Can I use this grant to fund a PhD studentship?

No, PhD studentships are not fundable under this call.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-nqs-mission-2-components-systems-and-architectures-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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