EPSRC

Strategic Infrastructure

Up to 100% FEC for capital costs; 80% FEC for non-capital costs. Minimum item threshold £400,000 (Route 1).| Deadline: 3 September 2026 (1 days)|Varies by route; Route 2 max 2 years

3 Sep 2026 at 4:00pm UK time for Feb 2026 outline panel applicants; 8 Oct 2026 at 4:00pm UK time for Jul 2026 outline panel applicants. Invite-only full proposal stage.

Last updated: 10 Aug 2026

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EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure funds the purchase, setup, and operation of research infrastructure in the UK, with two routes: Route 1 covers capital equipment and digital infrastructure from £400,000 onwards (100% FEC); Route 2 supports non-capital resources for existing infrastructure over up to two years (80% FEC). The call uses a two-stage process with open outline applications followed by invite-only full proposals; successful outline panellists are invited to submit full proposals with separate deadlines in autumn 2026.

Details

Funder	EPSRC
Budget	Up to 100% FEC for capital costs; 80% FEC for non-capital costs. Minimum item threshold £400,000 (Route 1).
Deadline	3 September 2026
Duration	Varies by route; Route 2 max 2 years
Consortium	No
Application	2-stage: open outline (no deadline) → invited full proposal
Frequency	Continuous
Eligible countries	GB

Eligibility & scope

Invite-only full proposal stage following successful outline application. Two routes: Route 1 (purchase/set-up of strategic capital/digital infrastructure ≥£400k); Route 2 (non-capital resources to support existing infrastructure, max 2 years). Open to UK and overseas organisations meeting EPSRC eligibility. UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply.

Who Should Apply

•UK and overseas organisations with UK research bases eligible under EPSRC terms
•Institutions seeking to purchase or establish strategic capital equipment or digital infrastructure at £400,000 or above (Route 1)
•Research organisations needing to fund non-capital resources supporting existing infrastructure (Route 2)
•Teams planning collaborative or multi-site infrastructure shared across institutions

Key Dates

•Outline applications: continuous submission with staged panel assessment (Feb 2026 outline panel closes 3 Sep 2026 at 4pm UK time; Jul 2026 outline panel closes 8 Oct 2026 at 4pm UK time)
•Invited full proposals: only shortlisted outline applicants progress to full proposal stage
•Route 2 projects: maximum two-year duration

Tips for Applicants

✓Route 1 requires minimum £400,000 for a single item; batch smaller purchases into one route if below threshold.
✓Outline applications are continuously assessed by panels; panel invitations follow success, so timing matters, submit early to align with the panel cycle that suits your timeline.
✓Full proposal eligibility hinges on outline success; use the outline to build a compelling case for strategic fit and user community, not just technical specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum budget for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure Route 1?

Route 1 requires a minimum of £400,000 for capital or digital infrastructure items. Route 2 has no stated minimum but funds non-capital support over up to two years at 80% FEC.

How does the EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure application process work?

Outline applications are submitted continuously and assessed by scheduled panels. Successful outline applicants receive an invite to submit a full proposal; only invited applicants proceed to the second stage.

What funding percentage does EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure cover?

Route 1 covers up to 100% FEC for capital and digital infrastructure; Route 2 covers 80% FEC for non-capital resource costs.

Can overseas organisations apply for EPSRC Strategic Infrastructure?

Yes, overseas organisations are eligible if they meet EPSRC eligibility criteria and have a UK research base. UKRI-RCN and UKRI-IIASA agreements do not apply to this call.

epsrcinfrastructurecapital-equipmentuk-fundingdigital-infrastructurecontinuous-callinvite-only

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.