Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: Rolling (Rapid Access; no closing date)
Funding Amounts: Up to 20,000 GPU hours on Isambard-AI or Zenith, used within three months of award; no cash funding
Summary: Compute access for UK micro, small and medium-sized businesses developing early-stage AI products before market launch.
Key Information: Applicants must fund the balance between eligible project costs and the compute award, subject to subsidy support limits.
Description
UK Research and Innovation’s Rapid Access route provides access to the Isambard-AI and Zenith AI Research Resource (AIRR) supercomputers for early-stage AI product research and development before market launch. It helps UK-registered micro, small and medium-sized businesses undertake work at short notice and respond rapidly to market opportunities. The route supports feasibility studies, industrial research and experimental development across UKRI’s remit. Collaborative projects are welcome, but large research programmes are not the intended focus.
Projects contributing to the government’s five missions are particularly encouraged: growing the economy, building an NHS fit for the future, creating safer streets, advancing opportunity for all and making Britain a clean energy superpower. AIRR aims to address the shortage of publicly available computing resources in the UK.
