# Manufacturing Scale-Up Network Plus

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Up to £5.63M total FEC; UKRI funds 80% up to £4.5M
**Deadline:** 11 November 2026 (Intent to Submit by 16:00 UK time (mandatory); full application by 16:00 UK time on 9 December 2026)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years (24 months stage one, 36 months stage two subject to review)
**Consortium:** Required — lead research organisation plus project co-leads and project partner organisations
**Application:** 2-stage: mandatory Intent to Submit (ItS) form by 11 November 2026, 16:00 UK time → full application via UKRI Funding Service by 9 December 2026, 16:00 UK time
**TRL:** 1-4
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/manufacturing-scale-up-network-plus/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Network Plus funding (EPSRC/UKRI Advanced Manufacturing Priority Programme) to coordinate research and industry community addressing manufacturing scale-up, with primary focus on automotive and aerospace and wider relevance to advanced materials, batteries and space. Flexible funds support up to 50% of total eligible project costs and require industrial co-funding; equipment over £25,000 not funded. Applications only via UKRI Funding Service (not Je-S); lead research organisation must submit.

## Summary

The Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus, funded by UKRI through EPSRC's Advanced Manufacturing Priority Programme, pays up to £5.63M full economic cost (80% funded, up to £4.5M) to coordinate research into manufacturing scale-up, primarily for automotive and aerospace with relevance to advanced materials, batteries and space. It targets consortium leads able to bring together project co-leads and industry partners at UK institutions, covering TRL 1-4 work over up to five years in two phases. A flexible fund covering up to 50% of eligible costs is built in to secure matched industry contributions.

## Who should apply

- UK-based project leads coordinating a multi-partner consortium
- Research teams working at TRL 1-4 on manufacturing scale-up challenges
- Groups with a primary focus on automotive or aerospace, or relevance to advanced materials, batteries or space
- Applicants able to secure project co-leads and industry partner organisations with matched contributions

## Key dates

- Mandatory Intent to Submit form due 16:00 UK time, with full application deadline 9 December 2026 at 16:00 UK time
- Two-stage process: Intent to Submit form, then full application via the UKRI Funding Service (not Je-S)
- Up to five-year duration, structured as a 24-month phase followed by a 36-month phase subject to review

## Tips for applicants

- Submit the Intent to Submit form early and treat it as mandatory gatekeeping, missing it blocks the full application.
- Apply only through the UKRI Funding Service; Je-S submissions are not accepted for this call.
- Build the flexible fund and industry matched-contribution plan into the proposal from the outset, since matched industry funding is expected rather than optional.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus provide?

Up to £5.63M full economic cost, with UKRI funding 80% up to a maximum of £4.5M.

### What is the deadline for the Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus?

A mandatory Intent to Submit form is required first, followed by the full application deadline of 9 December 2026 at 16:00 UK time.

### How long does the Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus last?

Up to five years, split into a 24-month first phase and a 36-month second phase subject to review.

### Does the Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus require industry partners?

Yes, a consortium with project co-leads and project partner organisations is required, and matched industry contributions are expected via the flexible fund.

### What TRL range does this call cover?

The call covers TRL 1-4 research into manufacturing scale-up.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-manufacturing-scale-up-network-plus-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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