# Transformative Sustainable AI Technologies

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** Up to £602,500 (80% FEC funded by UKRI)
**Deadline:** 10 November 2026 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 24 months
**Consortium:** Optional - researcher co-leads and project partners encouraged; international researchers may join only as project co-lead (international) under UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA agreements
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/transformative-sustainable-ai-technologies/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UKRI/EPSRC funding for speculative, high-risk research developing novel AI technologies, hardware, algorithms or systems that improve sustainability of future AI. Technology-led proposals only; majority non-technical (social science, policy, legal, ethics) applications excluded. Projects must start 1 February 2027; only UK-registered organisations may lead via the UKRI Funding Service.

## Summary

EPSRC's Transformative Sustainable AI Technologies call funds speculative, high-risk research to improve the sustainability of AI systems, including algorithms, hardware, software and architectures, with up to £482,000 available (80% of £602,500 FEC). The grant is open to researchers at UK-approved research organisations and runs for up to 24 months with a fixed start date of 1 February 2027. This is a one-off call emphasising frontier research on AI efficiency and environmental impact.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at UK-approved research organisations (lead applicant)
- Teams pursuing speculative, high-risk research on AI sustainability
- Projects addressing algorithms, hardware, software or system architectures for efficiency
- International collaborators and co-leads eligible under UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA partnerships

## Key dates

- Deadline: 10 November 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- Fixed project start date: 1 February 2027
- Project duration: up to 24 months

## Tips for applicants

- This is a one-off call; there is no future round, prioritise your strongest sustainability-focused AI idea.
- EPSRC rewards high-risk, speculative work here; over-cautious framing reduces competitiveness.
- PhD studentship costs and equipment over £25k per item are ineligible; cost-plan accordingly and separate high-value kit from the budget.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I request for a Transformative Sustainable AI Technologies project?

Up to £482,000 (UKRI funds 80% of the eligible full economic cost capped at £602,500).

### Who can lead a Transformative Sustainable AI Technologies project?

Researchers based at UK-approved research organisations; international collaborators may join as project partners or co-leads under UKRI-RCN or UKRI-IIASA agreements.

### What research areas does this call cover?

High-risk, speculative research on AI sustainability across algorithms, hardware, software and system architectures.

### Can I include PhD studentships and large equipment in my budget?

No; PhD studentship costs and equipment over £25k per item are not eligible.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-transformative-sustainable-ai-technologies-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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