Transformative sustainable AI technologies
UK Research and Innovation funds high-risk research to develop groundbreaking, environmentally sustainable AI technologies that minimize ecological impact and set new standards for the field.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: November 10, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to £602,500 per project (80% FEC); total fund £12,050,000; project duration up to 24 months
Summary: Supports speculative, high-risk research to advance disruptive, sustainable AI technologies that minimize environmental impact.
Key Information: Distributed peer review required; applicants must act as reviewers for other submissions.
Description
This opportunity funds ambitious, speculative research projects aimed at transforming the sustainability of future artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The focus is on high-risk, high-reward technological advances across the AI stack—including hardware, algorithms, software, and system design—to minimize environmental impact and maximize societal and economic value. Projects should be technology-led, disruptive, and capable of establishing new paradigms in sustainable AI. Interdisciplinary and team science approaches are encouraged, and the initiative aims to rapidly stimulate creative, foundational advances in sustainable AI design and deployment.
