Discovery-to-use funding

Move your work from its early stages towards a practical use that benefits society, with EPSRC IAA funding.

Who can apply

You'll be a UCL researcher who's identified an opportunity to maximise the impact of your work by commercialising your research and/or partnering with a non-academic organisation.

What projects qualify

The types of activities you can get funding for include:

• extending the use of an industrial technology 
• improving an industrial process or product
• developing a prototype
• exploring commercialisation opportunities for your research
• developing a tool that tackles a social issue

Your proposal should demonstrate:

• how it maximises the impact of research aligned with EPSRC's portfolio
• that it features research that’s ready to move towards a practical use
• how both parties will share their expertise and benefit from the collaboration
• there's a clear benefit to the UK arising from the project (both UK and international collaborations are welcome)

Further details on eligibility requirements can be found in our knowledge exchange and innovation funding guide (Word).

Funding details

Amount: If you have secured a financial contribution from an external partner, you can apply for £10,000 to £100,000. If your project is at an early stage of development and it may be premature to involve a partner, or you cannot secure a financial contribution from an external partner, you can apply for up to £50,000. You’ll need to justify the absence of partner support in your application.

Start date: You can decide the most suitable start date for your project, but the earliest you can start is 3 March 2025. This is to allow time for the processing of your award and to ensure funds are available for your project start.

Duration: Projects can be up to a maximum duration of 12 months. Funds must be fully spent by 31 March 2026.

Partner contribution: If you have secured a financial contribution from an external partner, the partner must make a cash or in-kind contribution of at least 25%. Variations to this contribution may be acceptable in specific circumstances. Further details are in our knowledge exchange and innovation funding guide (Word).

When to apply

Applications are currently closed.

Submissions received outside published call dates will not be considered.

How to apply

We'd encourage you to speak to the Knowledge Exchange team (knowledge.exchange@ucl.ac.uk) early for advice on your application’s eligibility, whatever stage of development your project is at.

1. Read our knowledge exchange and innovation funding guide (Word) for advice on completing your application and details of the documents we’ll need to see.
2. Read our guide to using the web application form (Word), and what information you'll need to have to hand before starting.
3. Prepare the costing spreadsheet (Excel) (you need to provide this as well as your Standalone Worktribe costings).
4. Fill in the web application form on our online portal. (You'll need your UCL login. Only one person can access the form. You can save and return to the form at any time.)

You can use the application template (Word) to share information with co-investigators or other colleagues if this is helpful. But applications must be submitted via the web application form (emailed applications will not be accepted).

If you have any feedback on the web form, please send to knowledge.exchange@ucl.ac.uk so we can improve the process.

After you apply

1. Your proposal will be assessed by a member of the team to assess its eligibility and make sure it matches the funding criteria. 
2. If it does, at least three members of innovation-engaged UCL staff and UCL Business will review it. Your application will be assessed on its suitability for the scheme, feasibility, and potential for impact.
3. For applications over £20,000, the Innovation & Enterprise Funding Committee will consider the application and make a recommendation to the Executive Director, UCL Innovation & Enterprise on whether to award or decline. They’ll make the final decision.
   For applications up to £20,000, the Knowledge Exchange team will consider the recommendations made by reviewers and make a recommendation to the Executive Director, UCL Innovation & Enterprise on whether to award or decline. They’ll make the final decision. The same criteria are applied in both cases.

Funding source

• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) 2022-26.