Overall Description

UKRI Translation: BBSRC Proof of Concept (PoC) 2026 is a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) funding opportunity designed to translate bioscience research into products, services and solutions with real-world economic, societal or environmental impact. The scheme was formerly known as the Follow-on Fund.

Projects must build directly on current or previous BBSRC-supported research or other BBSRC research investment and move existing research outputs toward practical application. The programme supports both commercialisation projects that de-risk innovative ideas and later-stage projects involving significant technical milestones.

Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway toward real-world use through commercialisation, adoption or progression towards deployment, with the primary benefit delivered to the UK.

Funding Amount

• Total funding available: £3 million;
• Project FEC: £100,000–£800,000;
• BBSRC funding rate: 80% of FEC;
• Maximum BBSRC contribution: £640,000 per project;
• Research organisation contribution: Remaining 20% of FEC;
• Maximum project duration: 24 months;
• Additional matched funding: Not required beyond the standard 20% FEC contribution.

Submission Deadlines

• Opening: 5 August 2026 at 09:00 UK time;
• Application deadline: 14 October 2026 at 16:00 UK time.

Submission Conditions

Applications must:

• Be submitted through the UKRI Funding Service;
• Be led by an eligible UK research organisation;
• Have a direct link to current or previous BBSRC-supported funding;
• Fall within the BBSRC remit;
• Have a maximum FEC of £800,000;
• Last no more than 24 months;
• Demonstrate a clear market need and opportunity;
• Include a credible pathway toward commercialisation, adoption or deployment;
• Primarily deliver benefits to the UK.

Only the lead research organisation can formally submit the application. Once submitted, applications cannot be changed or amended.

Eligible Types of Applicants

Project lead:

• Must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for BBSRC funding;
• Standard BBSRC eligibility rules apply.

Project partners can include:

• Businesses / industry;
• Academic organisations;
• Third-sector organisations;
• Government/public-sector organisations;
• Other relevant users and stakeholders.

Partners seeking pre-negotiated access to foreground IP must contribute at least 50% of total project costs. Partners seeking a right to negotiate access to foreground IP after the project must contribute at least 10% of total project costs. Contributions may be cash, in-kind or a combination.

Industry and user involvement as project partners is strongly encouraged but not mandatory. Applications without partners must explain how industry/users have influenced the project and how they will be engaged going forward.

Eligible Countries

• Lead applicant/research organisation: United Kingdom only;
• International/overseas organisations: Not eligible to apply for BBSRC funding;
• Researchers based at international/overseas institutions: Not eligible as applicants;
• International project partners: Permitted, including organisations in the EU and other countries;
• International partners participate as project partners rather than funded applicants.

Projects may generate benefits in international markets, but their primary objective must be to deliver significant benefit to the UK. ODA-focused projects are not eligible.