NIHR
Capital Investment Funding Opportunity 2026
Last updated:
No deadline is on file for this call. Check NIHR's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
The NIHR Capital Investment Funding Opportunity 2026 pays for CE/UKCA-marked research equipment, modular buildings, and refurbishment of research spaces at non-commercial NHS organisations in England. It targets NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices and federations, CICs, and NHS-commissioned pharmacy, optometry or dental providers, with a minimum award of £10,000 per item or bundle. Funded assets must be used for commercial research at least 50% of the time for the first five years, dropping to 20% from year six.
Details
| Funder | NIHR |
| Consortium | Optional — matched funding from partners welcome but not required; if a partner contributes, funding must be secured at application and a letter of support included |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Restricted to non-commercial NHS organisations in England (NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices, GP federations, CICs, NHS-commissioned pharmacies/optometry/dental). Funds CE/UKCA-marked research equipment, modular buildings, and refurbishment of research spaces. Funded assets must be used for commercial research ≥50% of time in years 1–5 (≥20% from year 6). Minimum £10k per item/bundle.
Who Should Apply
- •Non-commercial NHS organisations based in England
- •NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices and GP federations
- •Community Interest Companies and NHS-commissioned pharmacy, optometry or dental providers
- •Applicants seeking equipment, modular buildings, or research space refurbishment of at least £10k
- •Organisations able to commit funded assets to commercial research use for at least 6 years
Key Dates
- •Minimum award size: £10,000 per item or equipment bundle
- •Funded assets carry a commercial research use requirement running from year 1 through year 6 and beyond
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Only CE/UKCA-marked equipment qualifies, confirm marking status before budgeting an item into the application.
- ✓If a partner is contributing matched funding, secure it and attach the letter of support at application; it cannot be added later.
- ✓Plan for the commercial research use requirement (≥50% years 1-5, ≥20% from year 6) upfront, since this affects how the asset must be scheduled and tracked post-award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the NIHR Capital Investment Funding Opportunity 2026?
Non-commercial NHS organisations in England, including NHS Trusts, PCNs, ICBs, GP practices, GP federations, CICs, and NHS-commissioned pharmacy, optometry or dental providers.
What can the NIHR Capital Investment Funding Opportunity pay for?
CE/UKCA-marked research equipment, modular buildings, and refurbishment of research spaces, with a minimum of £10,000 per item or bundle.
Is matched funding required for this NIHR grant?
No, matched funding from partners is optional, but if included it must be secured at the time of application with a letter of support attached.
How much research use is required for equipment funded by this grant?
Funded assets must be used for commercial research at least 50% of the time in years one to five, dropping to at least 20% from year six onwards.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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