# Gateway route

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** No funding; compute resource only - 10,000 GPU hours per project
**Duration:** 3 months to use GPU hours; extensions only in exceptional circumstances
**Consortium:** Optional — collaborative projects welcomed but not aimed at large research consortia
**Application:** Single stage: AIRRPortal online application with supporting documents
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/access-to-isambard-ai-and-zenith-airr-supercomputers-gateway-route/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open route for UK-based researchers, businesses, charities and not-for-profits to request 10,000 GPU hours on Isambard-AI or Zenith AIRR supercomputers for AI research; no funding is provided, only compute resource. Non-academic applicants must detail project costs and meet subsidy control support ratios.

## Summary

The Gateway route, run by UKRI, provides 10,000 GPU hours of compute time on the Isambard-AI or Zenith AIRR supercomputers for AI research, no cash funding is involved. It is open to UK-based researchers, businesses, charities and not-for-profits, with applications accepted continuously and processed in fortnightly batches. The route suits small-to-medium projects rather than large consortia, and the compute must be used within three months of allocation.

## Who should apply

- UK-based academic researchers working on AI methods or applications
- Businesses, charities and not-for-profits with a defined AI compute need
- Projects needing short-term, high-performance GPU access rather than cash funding
- Small teams or optional collaborations, not large multi-partner consortia
- Non-academic applicants able to document project costs and meet subsidy control requirements

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline with fortnightly batching dates for allocation decisions
- Single-stage application via the AIRRPortal online system
- GPU hours must be used within 3 months of allocation; extensions granted only in exceptional circumstances

## Tips for applicants

- Apply well before you need the compute, fortnightly batching means timing your submission to the nearest batch date reduces waiting time.
- Non-academic applicants should prepare a clear cost breakdown and subsidy control support ratio upfront, as this is checked at application.
- Plan your 3-month usage window carefully before applying, since extensions are rarely granted.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does the UKRI Gateway route provide funding?

No, it provides compute resource only, 10,000 GPU hours per project on Isambard-AI or Zenith AIRR, with no cash funding.

### Who can apply for the Gateway route?

UK-based researchers, businesses, charities and not-for-profits working on AI research can apply.

### How long do I have to use the GPU hours?

Three months from allocation, with extensions granted only in exceptional circumstances.

### Is there a deadline for the Gateway route?

No fixed deadline, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and processed in fortnightly batches.

### Do I need a consortium to apply?

No, a consortium is optional; collaborative projects are welcomed but the route is not aimed at large research consortia.

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

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