UKRI Future Round 11: Up to £3 Million for Research and Innovation Leaders in the UK
UK Research and Innovation has opened applications for Future Leaders Fellowships Round 11, offering substantial long-term funding to talented researchers and innovators. Successful applicants can request between £100,000 and £3 million for an ambitious four-year programme.
Overview
The Future Leaders Fellowships Round 11, administered by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), offers substantial long-term funding to talented researchers and innovators who possess the potential to become leaders in their fields. UKRI plans to invest up to £110 million in ambitious research and innovation programmes through this round, with a proportion supporting fellows hosted by businesses and other non-academic organisations.
Successful applicants may request grant funding between £100,000 and £3 million to undertake a four-year programme of research or innovation, with possible extensions of up to three additional years. The standard start date is October 2027.
Eligibility
- Open to talented researchers and innovators from the UK and other countries with the support of an eligible UK-based host organisation.
- A PhD is not mandatory, but applicants without one must demonstrate equivalent experience or training.
- Designed for individuals who can become independent future leaders rather than those who are already established senior leaders.
- The majority of the funded work, expenditure, and exploitation of results must take place in the UK.
Benefits
- Individual grant funding ranging from £100,000 to £3 million.
- A standard fellowship duration of four years, with potential extensions of up to three further years.
- Support for long-term professional and leadership development alongside access to tailored training, mentoring, and career opportunities.
- Allowance for up to 50% of working time to be spent on non-fellowship activities necessary for career development.
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare their proposals through the Innovation Funding Service. Before submitting, ensure that your host organisation is eligible, your project plan is complete, required ethics or regulatory approvals are identified, and all collaborative partners have accepted the relevant terms and conditions. Submit the final application before the official closing time.
Deadline
Applications close on 4 November 2026 at 11:00 a.m. UK time.