EPSRC
Japan-UK Joint Call for Collaborations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies
Expression of interest strongly encouraged before full application; parallel submission via UKRI Funding Service (UK) and e-Rad (Japan). No deadline date stated on this page.
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The Japan-UK Joint Call for Collaborations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies funds UK-Japan research consortia (up to £897,000 per UK partner over three years) to develop early-stage technologies in AI-enabled networks, non-terrestrial communications, and advanced photonics. Researchers must be hosted at EPSRC-eligible UK organisations paired with NICT-eligible Japanese institutions; industry-academia partnerships are encouraged. This is a one-off call with approximately three collaborations to be funded, targeting fundamental and early-concept work (TRL 1-3).
Details
| Funder | EPSRC |
| Budget | Up to £897,000 (80% FEC) per application from EPSRC; up to ¥200M per application from NICT |
| Duration | Up to 3 years (1 April 2027 – 31 March 2030) |
| Consortium | Required — UK applicant must have a project partner from Japan; industry-academia consortium recommended for Japanese academic applicants |
| Application | 2-stage: Expression of Interest → joint full application (parallel submission via UKRI Funding Service and e-Rad) |
| TRL | 1-3 |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open to UK organisations meeting EPSRC standard eligibility and Japanese organisations meeting NICT eligibility. A Japan-based project partner is mandatory. Scope covers AI integration in digital networks, non-terrestrial networks, and advanced optics/photonics for Beyond 5G/6G. Equipment ≥£25k and PhD studentships are not fundable from EPSRC. Projects must start 1 April 2027.
Who Should Apply
- •UK researchers at EPSRC-eligible institutions (universities, research institutes, business entities) paired with Japanese collaborators at NICT-eligible organisations
- •Researchers working on AI integration in digital networks, non-terrestrial networks, or advanced optics and photonics
- •Consortia with fundamental research or early-stage concept focus (TRL 1-3 at project start)
- •Teams with meaningful industry-academia collaboration, especially on the Japanese side
Key Dates
- •Expression of Interest stage now open; full application process details to be published
- •Earliest project start April 2027
- •Project duration up to three years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Structure the consortium carefully: UK partner must be EPSRC-eligible and Japanese partner NICT-eligible; Norway-based co-leads are explicitly blocked.
- ✓This is a one-off call with only ~3 collaborations funded; position your Expression of Interest to stand out on novelty and cross-border synergy, not preliminary results.
- ✓Prepare early: full application guidance is not yet published, use the Expression of Interest phase to clarify scope and secure institutional sign-off for both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the Japan-UK Joint Call offer?
Up to £897,000 (80% FEC) per UK proposal, with a total UK pot of £3.37M. Japanese funding is administered separately through NICT.
Is a Japan-UK partnership required?
Yes, applicants must form a joint UK-Japan consortium with EPSRC-eligible UK organisations and NICT-eligible Japanese research institutions.
What technology areas are in scope?
AI integration in digital networks, non-terrestrial networks, and advanced optics and photonics at TRL 1-3 (fundamental and early-concept stages).
When is the application deadline?
Expression of Interest is open now; full application details and deadline will be published when the opportunity formally opens.
Is this a recurring call?
No, this is a one-off joint call with approximately three collaborations to be funded.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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