# EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 (Invite Only)

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Deadline:** 3 September 2026 (Earliest deadline: 3 Sep 2026 4:00pm UK time (Feb 2026 outline panel cohort); 8 Oct 2026 4:00pm UK time (Jul 2026 outline panel cohort). Invite-only — full proposal stage only.)
**Duration:** Route one: reflects procurement/installation timeline; Route two: max 2 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: open outline application (no deadline) → invited full proposal
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/epsrc-strategic-infrastructure-2026-invite-only/
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invite-only full proposal stage for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure. Route one funds capital/digital infrastructure items over £400k (100% FEC for capital; 80% FEC non-capital). Route two funds non-capital resources to improve utilisation of existing infrastructure (max 2 years, 80% FEC). Open to UK and overseas organisations meeting EPSRC eligibility. UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply.

## Summary

EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 is an invite-only call for proposals to build or upgrade research infrastructure at UK and overseas institutions. Route one funds capital and digital infrastructure items over £400k with 100% Full Economic Costing for capital items; Route two funds non-capital resources to improve existing infrastructure utilisation over a maximum of two years at 80% FEC. This is a 2-stage process: early outline applications inform the invitation to submit a full proposal, with separate cohorts for February and July 2026 outline panels.

## Who should apply

- UK and overseas organisations meeting EPSRC eligibility criteria
- Research-performing institutions seeking to build or upgrade capital infrastructure items valued over £400k
- Institutions with existing infrastructure looking to improve utilisation through non-capital resources (Route two)
- Consortia or single-institution applicants with clear infrastructure development strategy

## Key dates

- Invite-only full proposal: deadline 3 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time) for February 2026 outline cohort or 8 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time) for July 2026 outline cohort
- Two-stage process: open outline application (no deadline) followed by invited full proposal submission
- Route one: duration reflects procurement and installation timeline; Route two: maximum two-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- This is invite-only at full proposal stage, you must submit a qualifying outline to enter the full competition; early engagement with EPSRC programme team is critical.
- Route selection shapes costings significantly: Route one allows 100% FEC for capital items but Route two is capped at 80% FEC and two-year duration, so ensure your infrastructure need maps to the correct route.
- UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply here; check full eligibility criteria on the EPSRC website as this call has bespoke rules.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026 open to applications?

No, it is invite-only at the full proposal stage. You must first submit an outline application (no deadline) to be considered for invitation to the full round.

### What is the budget threshold for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure Route one?

Route one funds capital and digital infrastructure items over £400k. Capital items receive 100% Full Economic Costing; non-capital items receive 80% FEC.

### Can overseas organisations apply to EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026?

Yes, overseas organisations can apply if they meet EPSRC eligibility criteria, though the call is primarily aimed at UK institutions.

### What is the maximum duration for Route two projects?

Route two projects to improve utilisation of existing infrastructure have a maximum two-year duration and are funded at 80% FEC.

### What are the full proposal deadlines for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure 2026?

Full proposals from the February 2026 outline panel are due 3 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time); those from the July 2026 outline panel are due 8 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time).

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