Doctoral focal award: UKRI venture doctorates: outline stage
Limited submission
UKRI's Doctoral focal award funds large-scale doctoral programmes that blend advanced research with entrepreneurship to foster commercial ventures and innovation in the UK.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 21, 2026 (EOI) | October 22, 2026 (Outline application) | March 16, 2027 (Full application, invited only)
Funding Amounts: Up to £25 million total; 1–3 awards anticipated; each award to support at least 50 doctoral students over up to five cohorts (max 114 months).
Summary: Supports large-scale doctoral training programmes that combine rigorous research with entrepreneurship and venture creation, aiming to generate UK-anchored commercial outputs.
Key Information: Mandatory EOI required by September 21, 2026 to proceed; only one lead application per organisation.
Description
This opportunity funds the design and delivery of doctoral training programmes that integrate advanced academic research with entrepreneurship and venture creation. The aim is to develop a new generation of doctoral graduates equipped to create commercial ventures, spin-outs, and other high-value outputs rooted in UK research. Programmes must combine rigorous doctoral-level research with experiential entrepreneurship, offer robust venture support, and demonstrate the ability to attract investment and foster commercialisation. Applicants are encouraged to form consortia that draw on expertise from academia, industry, business, and innovation sectors. Proposals must support at least 50 students (over up to five annual cohorts), with a strong focus on cohort-based learning, diversity, and real-world commercial opportunities.
