# Strategic Infrastructure

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** Up to 100% FEC for capital costs; 80% FEC for non-capital costs. Minimum item threshold £400,000 (Route 1).
**Deadline:** 3 September 2026 (3 Sep 2026 at 4:00pm UK time for Feb 2026 outline panel applicants; 8 Oct 2026 at 4:00pm UK time for Jul 2026 outline panel applicants. Invite-only full proposal stage.)
**Duration:** Varies by route; Route 2 max 2 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: open outline (no deadline) → invited full proposal
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/epsrc-strategic-infrastructure-2026-invite-only/
**Last updated:** 10 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invite-only full proposal stage following successful outline application. Two routes: Route 1 (purchase/set-up of strategic capital/digital infrastructure ≥£400k); Route 2 (non-capital resources to support existing infrastructure, max 2 years). Open to UK and overseas organisations meeting EPSRC eligibility. UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply.

## Summary

EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure funds the purchase, setup, and operation of research infrastructure in the UK, with two routes: Route 1 covers capital equipment and digital infrastructure from £400,000 onwards (100% FEC); Route 2 supports non-capital resources for existing infrastructure over up to two years (80% FEC). The call uses a two-stage process with open outline applications followed by invite-only full proposals; successful outline panellists are invited to submit full proposals with separate deadlines in autumn 2026.

## Who should apply

- UK and overseas organisations with UK research bases eligible under EPSRC terms
- Institutions seeking to purchase or establish strategic capital equipment or digital infrastructure at £400,000 or above (Route 1)
- Research organisations needing to fund non-capital resources supporting existing infrastructure (Route 2)
- Teams planning collaborative or multi-site infrastructure shared across institutions

## Key dates

- Outline applications: continuous submission with staged panel assessment (Feb 2026 outline panel closes 3 Sep 2026 at 4pm UK time; Jul 2026 outline panel closes 8 Oct 2026 at 4pm UK time)
- Invited full proposals: only shortlisted outline applicants progress to full proposal stage
- Route 2 projects: maximum two-year duration

## Tips for applicants

- Route 1 requires minimum £400,000 for a single item; batch smaller purchases into one route if below threshold.
- Outline applications are continuously assessed by panels; panel invitations follow success, so timing matters, submit early to align with the panel cycle that suits your timeline.
- Full proposal eligibility hinges on outline success; use the outline to build a compelling case for strategic fit and user community, not just technical specifications.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the minimum budget for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure Route 1?

Route 1 requires a minimum of £400,000 for capital or digital infrastructure items. Route 2 has no stated minimum but funds non-capital support over up to two years at 80% FEC.

### How does the EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure application process work?

Outline applications are submitted continuously and assessed by scheduled panels. Successful outline applicants receive an invite to submit a full proposal; only invited applicants proceed to the second stage.

### What funding percentage does EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure cover?

Route 1 covers up to 100% FEC for capital and digital infrastructure; Route 2 covers 80% FEC for non-capital resource costs.

### Can overseas organisations apply for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure?

Yes, overseas organisations are eligible if they meet EPSRC eligibility criteria and have a UK research base. UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply to this call.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-strategic-infrastructure-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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