# Engineering Biology Access to Infrastructure Pilot

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Up to £5 million (shared)
**Consortium:** Optional — open to single applicants and collaborations
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/2546/overview/d8b3252c-a147-4088-89ab-7991141da64a
**Last updated:** 9 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

UK-registered micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply, either alone or in collaboration, for pilot scale and validation projects under UKRI's Engineering Biology Programme, funded by BIST.

## Summary

This UKRI pilot funds pilot scale and validation projects that give UK small and medium sized enterprises access to engineering biology infrastructure, with up to £5 million shared across successful applicants. It is open to UK-registered SMEs applying alone or as part of a collaboration, and is funded through BIST under UKRI's Engineering Biology Programme.

## Who should apply

- UK-registered micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Single applicants or collaborative teams of SMEs
- Organisations with pilot scale or validation-stage engineering biology projects
- Applicants seeking access to shared infrastructure rather than standalone R&D funding

## Key dates

- Shared pool of up to £5 million across successful applicants

## Tips for applicants

- Single-applicant SMEs are explicitly eligible, so don't assemble a consortium purely to seem competitive if your project doesn't need one.
- Frame the project around validating or scaling access to infrastructure rather than early discovery research, since that is the stated focus of this pilot.
- Confirm UK SME registration status (micro, small or medium) early, as this is a firm eligibility gate.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the Engineering Biology Access to Infrastructure Pilot provide?

The pilot provides up to £5 million shared across successful applicants, rather than a fixed amount per project.

### Who can apply for the Engineering Biology Access to Infrastructure Pilot?

UK-registered micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply, either alone or in collaboration with other organisations.

### Is collaboration required for this UKRI grant?

No, collaboration is optional, the call is open to both single SME applicants and consortia.

### What type of projects does this grant fund?

It funds pilot scale and validation projects that give SMEs access to engineering biology infrastructure, under UKRI's Engineering Biology Programme.

### Who funds the Engineering Biology Access to Infrastructure Pilot?

The pilot is funded by BIST as part of UKRI's Engineering Biology Programme.

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

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