BBSRC
BBSRC Proof of Concept
4:00pm UK time
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BBSRC Proof of Concept funds translational projects that convert recent BBSRC-supported bioscience research into products, services, or solutions with UK economic, societal, or environmental impact. Up to £640,000 is available for projects lasting up to two years, open to researchers with a current or prior BBSRC grant. Industry and user partners are strongly encouraged, and applications without them must articulate how external stakeholders have shaped the research direction.
Details
| Funder | BBSRC |
| Budget | Up to £640,000 (80% of up to £800,000 FEC) |
| Deadline | 14 October 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Consortium | Optional — industry and user project partners strongly encouraged; applications without project partners must explain how industry/users have shaped the project |
| Application | Single stage |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Translates BBSRC-supported bioscience research into products, services or solutions delivering UK economic, societal or environmental impact. Applicants must have a direct link to current or previous BBSRC funding. International/overseas organisations and researchers based at overseas institutions are not eligible. Research organisation contributes 20% FEC; ODA activity is excluded.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers with current or prior BBSRC grant funding
- •UK-based applicants at recognised research organisations
- •Bioscience projects ready to translate into commercial or public-facing products or services
- •Teams with industry partners, or consortia planned around user organisations
- •Applicants prepared to demonstrate economic, societal, or environmental pathway
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 14 October 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- •Single-stage assessment
- •Project duration: up to two years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓BBSRC expects strong industry or user-sector involvement; if partners are absent, your application must explain explicitly how external stakeholders shaped the concept.
- ✓Link your proposal directly to the BBSRC grant that seeded the idea; a clear chain from funded discovery to commercialisation or user application improves credibility.
- ✓Proof of concept panels weight implementation feasibility and market/user readiness heavily, include milestones and go/no-go decision points, not only scientific novelty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the BBSRC Proof of Concept grant?
Up to £640,000, representing 80% of up to £800,000 Full Economic Cost, with the research organisation contributing 20%.
Who is eligible for BBSRC Proof of Concept?
Researchers based at UK organisations with a current or prior BBSRC grant. Overseas-based applicants and international organisations are not eligible.
Do I need industry partners to apply?
No, but industry or user partners are strongly encouraged; applications without partners must explain how industry or users have shaped the project concept.
How long can a Proof of Concept project last?
Up to two years.
Can I apply if my BBSRC grant is finished?
Yes, prior BBSRC funding satisfies the eligibility criterion; you do not need an active grant.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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