UKRI
Rapid Access route
Rolling deadline
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The Rapid Access route from UKRI provides up to 20,000 GPU hours of compute time on the Isambard-AI or Zenith AIRR supercomputers, not cash funding, to UK-registered micro, small and medium-sized businesses running feasibility studies, industrial research or experimental development. Applications go through AIRRPortal on a rolling basis, with a light-touch review and resource access granted within two weeks. Collaborative projects are welcome but the route is designed for smaller-scale work rather than large research programmes.
Details
| Funder | UKRI |
| Duration | Up to 3 months to use allocated GPU hours |
| Consortium | Optional — collaborative projects are welcomed but this route is not aimed at large research programmes |
| Application | Single stage: application via AIRRPortal, light-touch review, max 2 weeks to resource access |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Provides compute resource only (no funding) of up to 20,000 GPU hours on the Isambard-AI or Zenith AIRR supercomputers for UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized businesses to conduct feasibility studies, industrial research or experimental development. Applicant must be project lead with a contract at a Companies House-registered organisation; GPU hours must be used within 3 months of award.
Who Should Apply
- •Project leads with a contract at a Companies House-registered UK business
- •Micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) only
- •Businesses conducting feasibility studies, industrial research or experimental development
- •AI or compute-intensive projects needing short-term GPU access rather than grant funding
- •Teams able to use allocated GPU hours within 3 months
Key Dates
- •Rolling deadline, applications accepted continuously
- •Single-stage application via AIRRPortal with light-touch review
- •Resource access granted within 2 weeks; GPU hours must be used within 3 months of award
Tips for Applicants
- ✓This route provides compute hours only, not cash, frame your application around what you'll run on Isambard-AI or Zenith AIRR rather than budget justification.
- ✓Because review is light-touch and turnaround is fast (2 weeks), have your technical workload and GPU-hour estimate ready before applying.
- ✓The 3-month usage window starts at award, so only apply once your team can start the compute work immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UKRI Rapid Access route provide funding?
No, it provides compute resource only, up to 20,000 GPU hours on the Isambard-AI or Zenith AIRR supercomputers, not cash funding.
Who is eligible for the UKRI Rapid Access route?
UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized businesses, with the applicant acting as project lead under contract at a Companies House-registered organisation.
How long does it take to get GPU access through this route?
The application is reviewed via a light-touch process with a maximum of 2 weeks to resource access.
How long can you use the allocated GPU hours?
Allocated GPU hours must be used within 3 months of the award.
Is there a deadline for the Rapid Access route?
No, it runs on a rolling, continuous basis with no fixed deadline.
Related on Grantsby
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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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