# Strategic Infrastructure Outlines

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** Up to 100% FEC for capital costs; 80% FEC for non-capital costs. Minimum item threshold £400,000 incl. VAT. Prior approval required for requests over £5M.
**Duration:** Route 1: reflects procurement/installation only (>36 months requires approval). Route 2: max 2 years.
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage (outline application); post-panel equipment quotes required for items >£138,000.
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/epsrc-strategic-infrastructure-outlines-september-2026/
**Last updated:** 30 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Two routes: Route 1 funds purchase/set-up of strategic capital/digital infrastructure (min £400k per item); Route 2 (invited only) funds non-capital resources to support existing infrastructure. Max 3 applications per institution per batching period. UK research organisations with standard UKRI eligibility. Projects >36 months or >£5M require prior EPSRC approval.

## Summary

The EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure Outlines funds the purchase and setup of capital or digital research infrastructure at UK research organisations, with 100% full economic cost coverage for capital items and 80% for non-capital costs. Route 1 is open to all eligible institutions for strategic infrastructure items of at least £400,000; Route 2 (by invitation) supports resources for existing infrastructure. Applications are accepted continuously across five batching periods per year, with a maximum of three submissions per institution per batch.

## Who should apply

- UK research organisations meeting UKRI eligibility criteria
- Institutions seeking to purchase or establish strategic capital or digital infrastructure
- Projects with a minimum capital item cost of £400,000 (Route 1)
- Requests over £5 million require prior funder approval

## Key dates

- Open call with continuous batching: Batch 1 Sep, Dec 2026, Batch 2 Jan, Apr 2027, Batch 3 May, Nov 2027, Batch 4 Dec 2027, Mar 2028, Batch 5 Apr, Sep 2028
- Route 1 projects typically up to 36 months (longer durations require prior approval); Route 2 maximum 2 years
- Maximum 3 applications per institution per batching period

## Tips for applicants

- Requests over £5M need prior approval from EPSRC before submission; contact the funder early to confirm scope.
- Equipment quotes are mandatory post-panel for any item over £138,000; prepare procurement timelines accordingly.
- Route 2 (invitation-only for existing infrastructure support) requires advance approval from your assigned EPSRC theme lead before application.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the minimum cost for a Route 1 Strategic Infrastructure application?

The minimum item threshold is £400,000 per capital item.

### What funding rates does EPSRC offer for infrastructure costs?

100% full economic cost for capital costs; 80% full economic cost for non-capital costs.

### How many times can I apply per batching period?

A maximum of 3 applications per institution per batching period.

### Do I need approval before requesting over £5 million?

Yes, requests over £5M require prior approval from EPSRC before submission.

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

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