# Contracts for Innovation: Cyber scale in critical sectors

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Up to £3.5M inclusive of VAT
**Consortium:** No
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/contracts-for-innovation-cyber-scale-in-critical-sectors/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to organisations of any size to develop, demonstrate and commercialise cybersecurity solutions in real end-user environments within critical sector organisations. Contracts awarded to a single legal entity only; subcontractors permitted but not required.

## Summary

The UKRI Contracts for Innovation: Cyber Scale in Critical Sectors programme funds cybersecurity solution development and commercialisation in real end-user environments within critical sector organisations, with budgets up to £3.5M inclusive of VAT. The call is open to organisations of any size in the UK, with awards made to single legal entities (subcontractors permitted but not required). This is a practical, deployment-focused programme suited to SMEs and larger firms ready to move beyond prototype into live sector environments.

## Who should apply

- UK-registered organisations of any size (SMEs, scale-ups, larger firms)
- Cybersecurity product and service developers ready for real-world deployment
- Teams with defined end-user partnerships within critical sector organisations
- Organisations prepared to subcontract or operate as sole legal entity (as per funder rules)

## Key dates

- First listed 6 May 2026, verify exact deadline and application window on UKRI portal

## Tips for applicants

- Critical sector partnerships must be named and credible; vague 'discussion stage' partners weaken proposals.
- Emphasise commercialisation pathway and post-project sustainability, UKRI expects routes to market, not just R&D.
- Single legal entity requirement means consortia must appoint a lead and define subcontractor roles clearly in the budget narrative.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much can I apply for in the UKRI Cyber Scale contract?

Up to £3.5M inclusive of VAT per contract awarded to a single legal entity.

### Can I apply as a consortium or partnership?

No, awards are made to a single legal entity only; you may use subcontractors but must be the lead applicant.

### Who is eligible for the UKRI Cyber Scale contract?

UK-registered organisations of any size developing cybersecurity solutions for deployment in critical sector end-user environments.

### Do I need an end-user partner to apply?

Yes, the call targets real-world demonstration and commercialisation in critical sectors, so a credible end-user partnership is expected.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-contracts-for-innovation-cyber-scale-in-critical-s-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.