Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus
Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus supports researchers and industry through networking and early-stage studies to overcome manufacturing scale-up barriers, primarily in automotive and aerospace.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 11, 2026 (Intent to Submit) | December 9, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: One award up to £4.5 million (80% FEC), for up to five years
Summary: Supports a national Network Plus connecting research and industry to accelerate manufacturing scale-up, primarily in automotive and aerospace.
Key Information: An Intent to Submit is compulsory; applications without one will not be considered.
Description
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) aims to fund one Network Plus through its IS8+ Priority Programme for Advanced Manufacturing. Managed by EPSRC, the opportunity supports collaboration, coordination and knowledge exchange across researchers, manufacturers, supply chains, investors and policymakers. Automotive and aerospace must be the primary focus, with wider benefits for batteries, space, advanced materials and related technologies.
The network will map capabilities, benchmark activity and scan emerging opportunities to produce an industry-informed strategic roadmap. It must convene a national conference, showcase or equivalent event within its first year. A flexible funding programme will support feasibility studies, pump-priming research, early testing and new collaborations up to technology readiness level 4 (TRL 4). The goal is to address scale-up barriers, strengthen commercialisation pathways, unlock private investment and inform future UKRI manufacturing investments.
