Expression of interest: Japan-UK joint call for collaborations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies
Funds UK-Japan collaborative research in AI-driven networks, non-terrestrial communication, and advanced optics/photonics to advance next-generation connectivity technologies.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 8, 2026 (Expression of Interest)
Funding Amounts: Up to £897,000 (80% FEC) per UK proposal for up to 3 years; total UK fund ~£3.37M, ~3 projects funded.
Summary: Funds collaborative UK-Japan research in advanced connectivity technologies, including AI-driven networks, non-terrestrial systems, and advanced optics/photonics.
Key Information: Expression of Interest is mandatory to proceed; both UK and Japan leads must be eligible for their respective national funding.
Description
This opportunity supports internationally competitive, collaborative research projects between the UK and Japan in the field of Advanced Connectivity Technologies. Jointly funded by UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), the grant aims to advance foundational and applied research in areas such as AI integration into digital networks, non-terrestrial networks (satellites, drones), and advanced optics and photonics. Projects should address challenges like trustworthy AI-driven networks, resilient non-terrestrial communication systems, and innovation in optical and quantum-enabled networks, fostering new technological solutions and robust international research ecosystems.
