UKRI Translation: Impact Acceleration: CHERI IKC
Funding for a centre to accelerate the commercial adoption of CHERI secure hardware technology in the UK by advancing research and industry collaboration.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 17, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to £7,700,000 (80% FEC) for one award; project duration: 39 months (Jan 2027–Mar 2030)
Summary: Funding to establish an Innovation and Knowledge Centre to accelerate the commercial adoption and impact of CHERI secure hardware technology in the UK.
Key Information: Only one IKC will be funded; strong industry collaboration and UKRI eligibility required.
Description
This opportunity funds the creation of a single Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) focused on advancing Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions (CHERI) security-by-design technology. The centre will drive the transition of CHERI from academic research to commercial readiness, working closely with industry to develop, demonstrate, and deploy memory-safe chipset architecture. The award aims to address the growing risks of cyber attacks due to memory safety vulnerabilities by fostering industry partnerships, developing tools and demonstrators, and building a robust ecosystem for secure hardware. The IKC is expected to engage with regulatory and policy bodies, demonstrate business value, and contribute to the UK's global leadership in secure digital technologies.
