UCL – IISc Strategic Partner Fund 2026/27

UCL and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) invite joint research proposals to advance quantum science and technology, fostering new interdisciplinary collaborations for future impact.

This joint seed funding supports early-stage projects developing proof-of-concept ideas and generating preliminary data in quantum computing, communication, sensing, materials, and interdisciplinary applications. Up to two projects will be funded, with each team including one PI from UCL and one from IISc.
Funded teams are expected to deliver joint research outputs—such as publications, patents, or external grant proposals—and to lay foundations for sustained collaboration. Eligible applicants include academic staff at both institutions (see guidance for details).

Projects

Projects must clearly address the intersection of quantum science and technology, fostering collaborations that advance both theoretical and applied research. Proposals should integrate expertise from both institutions and target challenges in quantum computing, communication, sensing and metrology, materials, devices, algorithms, theory, and interdisciplinary applications such as quantum approaches in chemistry, biology, healthcare, or artificial intelligence.

Proposals focusing solely on a single discipline or without meaningful integration of quantum approaches will not be considered.
Illustrative areas of interest include:

• Quantum Computing: quantum algorithms, NISQ devices, error correction, qubit architectures
• Quantum Communication & Networks: quantum key distribution, quantum internet, entanglement distribution
• Quantum Sensing & Metrology: high-precision sensors, atomic standards, quantum-enhanced measurements
• Quantum Materials & Devices: development of quantum materials, nanostructures, device fabrication
• Quantum Algorithms & Theory: theoretical foundations, complexity analysis, noise-resilient protocols
• Quantum for Fundamental Physics: applications of quantum information or technologies to fundamental physics questions
• Interdisciplinary Quantum Applications: chemistry, biology, healthcare, imaging, AI/ML, and other cross-disciplinary areas

Eligibility

• UCL: Academic staff (Professor, Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, Research Associate, Postdoc) on contracts through July 2027. PhD students and Professional Services staff may not apply as PI but may join project teams. Principal Investigators from UCL should be aware of the rules stipulated on the Partner Funds webpage here.
• IISc: All faculty members are eligible to apply; funding may be used for salaries and consumables only (travel and equipment not allowed).
• One proposal per PI per call. Each proposal must have one PI at UCL and one at IISc.

Value

• Up to £10,000 (UCL) and INR 12 lakhs (IISc) per project
• Maximum project duration: 12 months
• Each institution funds its own researchers—funds are not pooled or transferred
• Up to two joint projects will be supported
• Eligible costs: consumables, research assistants/associates/technicians (directly related to the project).
• Salary costs for existing staff, teaching buyout, equipment, or costs already covered by other grants are not eligible. Travel costs may be used to support UCL PI travel (e.g. to IISc), but travel costs for IISc staff are not eligible.

Timeline 

How to apply

• Joint applications using this form
• Maximum two-page case for support (see guidance for requirements)
• Itemised budget
• Two-page CVs for UCL and IISc PIs
• Applications must be submitted as a single PDF by the IISc PI via email to office.iqti@iisc.ac.in by the deadline

Review & Expected Outcomes

Applications are reviewed independently at both UCL and IISc for excellence, fit, value for money, and strategic impact; a joint selection committee will agree on funded projects.
By the end of the project, expected outcomes include at least one of:

• Joint publication in a recognised journal
• Researcher/student exchange (>3 months cumulative or equivalent virtual engagement)
• Specialised lecture or joint workshop
• Joint application for external funding
• Other equivalent collaborative outputs

Contact

Please contact your respective institution’s coordinator if you have any queries about this grant:

At UCL: 

Dr Amit Khandelwal
Senior Global Engagement Manager, UCL Global Engagement
amit.khandelwal@ucl.ac.uk

At the Indian Institute of Science:

Dr Srividya Kumar
Technology Manager, Quantum Research Park
office.iqti@iisc.ac.in

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