# Capital Investment Funding Opportunity 2026

**Funder:** NIHR
**Consortium:** Optional — matched funding from partners welcome but not required; if a partner contributes, funding must be secured at application and a letter of support included
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/capital-investment-funding-opportunity-2026/2026371
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Restricted to non-commercial NHS organisations in England (NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices, GP federations, CICs, NHS-commissioned pharmacies/optometry/dental). Funds CE/UKCA-marked research equipment, modular buildings, and refurbishment of research spaces. Funded assets must be used for commercial research ≥50% of time in years 1–5 (≥20% from year 6). Minimum £10k per item/bundle.

## Summary

The NIHR Capital Investment Funding Opportunity 2026 pays for CE/UKCA-marked research equipment, modular buildings, and refurbishment of research spaces at non-commercial NHS organisations in England. It targets NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices and federations, CICs, and NHS-commissioned pharmacy, optometry or dental providers, with a minimum award of £10,000 per item or bundle. Funded assets must be used for commercial research at least 50% of the time for the first five years, dropping to 20% from year six.

## Who should apply

- Non-commercial NHS organisations based in England
- NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices and GP federations
- Community Interest Companies and NHS-commissioned pharmacy, optometry or dental providers
- Applicants seeking equipment, modular buildings, or research space refurbishment of at least £10k
- Organisations able to commit funded assets to commercial research use for at least 6 years

## Key dates

- Minimum award size: £10,000 per item or equipment bundle
- Funded assets carry a commercial research use requirement running from year 1 through year 6 and beyond

## Tips for applicants

- Only CE/UKCA-marked equipment qualifies, confirm marking status before budgeting an item into the application.
- If a partner is contributing matched funding, secure it and attach the letter of support at application; it cannot be added later.
- Plan for the commercial research use requirement (≥50% years 1-5, ≥20% from year 6) upfront, since this affects how the asset must be scheduled and tracked post-award.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for the NIHR Capital Investment Funding Opportunity 2026?

Non-commercial NHS organisations in England, including NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices, GP federations, CICs, and NHS-commissioned pharmacy, optometry or dental providers.

### What can the NIHR Capital Investment Funding Opportunity pay for?

CE/UKCA-marked research equipment, modular buildings, and refurbishment of research spaces, with a minimum of £10,000 per item or bundle.

### Is matched funding required for this NIHR grant?

No, matched funding from partners is optional, but if included it must be secured at the time of application with a letter of support attached.

### How much research use is required for equipment funded by this grant?

Funded assets must be used for commercial research at least 50% of the time in years one to five, dropping to at least 20% from year six onwards.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nihr-capital-investment-funding-opportunity-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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