Manufacturing Scale-up Network Plus

Build a national research and innovation network connecting manufacturing researchers, industry, supply chains and investors. The initial 12-month scoping phase will map capability, benchmark activity and develop a roadmap, followed by 48 months of network work. Activities include knowledge exchange, brokerage, a national event and flexible funding for feasibility studies and early research on scale-up barriers. The focus is aerospace and automotive, with wider relevance to batteries, space and advanced materials. UKRI contributes £4.5 million at 80% of full economic cost. The mandatory intent-to-submit deadline is 11 November 2026 at 16:00 UK time; full proposals are due 9 December 2026 at 16:00.

Eligible UK higher-education institutions, research-council institutes, approved independent research organisations, public-sector research establishments and NHS bodies with research capacity may lead. Businesses participate as partners. Postdoctoral fellowship holders cannot apply as lead. Each person may lead one proposal and appear on at most two. International co-lead exceptions follow the stated Norway and IIASA agreements.