UKRI Funding Finder
The official search tool for all UK Research and Innovation grant opportunities across nine UKRI councils including Innovate UK, EPSRC, MRC, BBSRC, NERC, AHRC, ESRC, STFC, and Research England.
Overview
UKRI Funding Finder at ukri.org/opportunity is the official search tool for all open and upcoming grant opportunities across UK Research and Innovation's nine councils and programs. UKRI is the umbrella body for UK public research and innovation funding, investing over £8 billion per year. The Funding Finder aggregates opportunities from AHRC, BBSRC, ESRC, EPSRC, Innovate UK, MRC, NERC, Research England, and STFC in a single searchable interface, making it the most complete starting point for any organisation seeking publicly funded UK research or innovation money. At any time there are typically 100+ active funding opportunities listed, ranging from small pump-priming grants of £10,000 to large collaborative programs worth tens of millions.
What You Can Find Here
- Innovate UK business innovation grants - competitive grants for UK businesses developing novel products and processes across all sectors
- EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) grants - funding for engineering and physical sciences research at UK universities
- BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) grants - life science and biosciences research funding
- MRC (Medical Research Council) grants - medical and health research funding from basic science to clinical trials
- NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) grants - environmental, earth, and atmospheric sciences funding
- AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) grants - arts, humanities, and social sciences research funding
- ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) grants - social science and economics research funding
- STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council) grants - particle physics, astronomy, and space science funding
- Cross-council and interdisciplinary programs - collaborative programs spanning multiple UKRI councils
- International collaboration calls - co-funded programs with Horizon Europe, bilateral partners, and the Eureka Network
Who Should Use This
- UK universities and research institutes seeking project grant funding across any academic discipline
- UK businesses (SMEs and large organisations) applying for Innovate UK competitive grants for commercial innovation
- Research groups and consortia pursuing interdisciplinary or cross-council funding opportunities
- Doctoral training partnerships and centers for doctoral training seeking studentship funding
- International researchers and organisations exploring UK collaboration and co-funding programs
- Knowledge exchange professionals tracking new UKRI calls relevant to their institution's research strengths
- Grant managers and research development offices monitoring upcoming calls to plan applications in advance
How to Get Started
- Step 1: Go to ukri.org/opportunity and use the search bar to enter keywords related to your research area or sector
- Step 2: Apply filters - select funding council (e.g., Innovate UK, EPSRC), status (Open or Upcoming), funding type, and closing date
- Step 3: Click on any opportunity to read the full funding brief, eligibility criteria, and closing date
- Step 4: Follow the link in the brief to the relevant council's application portal (e.g., Innovate UK Funding Service, JeS for research councils)
- Step 5: Subscribe to the RSS feed or email alerts on the UKRI website to be notified automatically when new opportunities open
- Step 6: Contact the named program manager listed in the funding brief if you have questions about eligibility or scope before applying
Things to Check Before Applying
- Eligibility rules vary significantly by council - Innovate UK grants target businesses while most research council grants are open to universities and research institutes
- Funding rates differ: UK universities typically receive 80% of Full Economic Cost (FEC); businesses receive 50-70% of eligible costs for Innovate UK grants
- Some calls are ring-fenced for specific institution types or career stages (e.g., New Investigator Awards, Mid-Career Fellowships)
- Closing dates are absolute - UKRI portals automatically close at the stated deadline regardless of server problems on the applicant's side
- Cross-council calls often have different rules from single-council calls - read the specific funding brief, not just the council's general guidance
- All UKRI grants require registration with the relevant application portal (JeS, Innovate UK Funding Service, etc.) before the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does UKRI Funding Finder update with new opportunities?
New opportunities are added continuously as UKRI councils open new calls. There are typically 100+ active opportunities at any time. Using the RSS feed or email alerts is the most reliable way to track new calls.
Can a company apply directly through UKRI Funding Finder?
The Funding Finder is a discovery tool, not an application portal. After finding an opportunity, you follow the link to the relevant application system - Innovate UK uses its own Funding Service platform, while research councils use Je-S.
What is the typical size of grants listed on UKRI Funding Finder?
Grant sizes span a wide range. Innovate UK Smart Grants fund projects from £25,000 to £2 million. Research council project grants typically range from £100,000 to several million pounds. Fellowship and doctoral awards vary.
Can overseas organisations apply for UKRI funding?
In most cases, only UK-registered organisations can lead or receive UKRI funding. International organisations can participate as project collaborators or partners but are generally not eligible as the lead applicant.
Is there a single login for all UKRI application systems?
No. UKRI councils use different application systems - the Innovate UK Funding Service and Je-S (Joint Electronic Submission) are separate portals requiring separate registration. Check the specific opportunity brief for the correct portal.
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