Expression of interest: Japan-UK joint call for collaborations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies
Supports UK-Japan joint research on AI-driven networks, non-terrestrial networks, and advanced optics/photonics to advance foundational connectivity technologies.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 8, 2026 (Expression of Interest submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £897,000 (80% FEC) per UK project; up to ¥200 million per Japanese project; ~3 projects funded; up to 3 years duration.
Summary: Supports UK-Japan collaborative research in advanced connectivity technologies, including AI-driven networks, non-terrestrial networks, and advanced optics/photonics.
Key Information: Requires joint UK-Japan teams; EoI mandatory before full application.
Description
This funding opportunity enables internationally competitive collaborative research projects between Japan and the UK in the field of Advanced Connectivity Technologies. The initiative is jointly funded by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). The goal is to accelerate progress in foundational and early-stage research that will underpin future advancements in connectivity, drive economic growth, improve lives, and enhance resilience in an increasingly connected world.
Research proposals must be collaborative, involving eligible researchers from both the UK and Japan. The programme focuses on three main thematic areas:
- Integration of AI in digital networks (including trustworthy, traceable, and self-optimizing AI-native networks)
- Non-terrestrial networks (e.g., satellites, drones, quantum communications, and IoT platforms)
- Advanced optics and photonics (e.g., next-generation optical/wireless networks, quantum-enabled links, and resilient network architectures)
Projects are expected to leverage the strengths of both countries and foster research ecosystems to benefit the next generation of connectivity research.
