Researchers and research institutions in the United Kingdom and Japan can now apply for a new collaborative research grant worth up to £897,000 for the UK component and ¥200 million for the Japan component under the UK-Japan Advanced Connectivity Technologies Programme.
Designed to strengthen scientific collaboration between the two countries, the programme will support cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), Beyond 5G/6G technologies, non-terrestrial networks, and advanced optical communications.
What Is the UK-Japan Advanced Connectivity Technologies Grant?
The programme aims to build world-leading partnerships between researchers in the UK and Japan to accelerate innovation in advanced communication technologies.
Projects funded under the programme are expected to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve network resilience, promote AI-driven communications, and contribute to future Beyond 5G/6G technologies.
How Much Funding Is Available?
Applicants may request funding of:
- Up to £897,000 (80% Full Economic Cost) for the UK research team.
- Up to ¥200 million for the Japanese research team.
The overall programme has a budget of:
- £3.37 million for UK projects.
- ¥600 million for projects in Japan.
Approximately three collaborative research projects are expected to receive funding.
Who Can Apply?
The funding opportunity is open only to joint UK-Japan research teams.
UK Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be based at an eligible UK research organisation.
- Meet the standard eligibility requirements for UK applicants.
- Work with at least one eligible Japanese research partner.
Japan Applicants
Applicants must:
- Meet the eligibility requirements for Japanese applicants.
- Register through the Cross-Ministerial Research and Development Management System (e-Rad).
- Complete all required registration and application procedures before submission.
Research Areas Eligible for Funding
Applications must focus on one or more of the following areas.
1. AI Integration in Digital Networks
Research may include:
- AI-native communication networks
- Distributed and federated AI
- Network automation
- AI governance
- Energy-efficient AI systems
- Secure digital infrastructure
2. Non-Terrestrial Networks
Projects may focus on:
- Satellite communications
- Drone networks
- High-altitude platforms
- Beyond 5G/6G systems
- Quantum communications
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- AI-enabled network optimisation
3. Advanced Optics and Photonics
Eligible research includes:
- Next-generation fibre networks
- Optical and wireless integration
- Quantum-enabled communications
- All Photonics Networks (APN)
- Energy-efficient optical infrastructure
- Cyber-resilient communication systems
Duration of the Grant
Successful projects will:
- Begin on 1 April 2027
- End on 31 March 2030
- Run for a maximum of three years
What Costs Can Be Funded?
The grant can cover:
- Salaries for project leads and researchers
- Research staff
- Project management
- Technical staff
- Research consumables
- Travel and subsistence
- Data preservation and sharing
- Estates and indirect costs
However, the programme does not fund:
- Equipment costing £25,000 or more per item
- PhD studentships under this funding opportunity
How to Apply
Researchers are strongly encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) before preparing the full proposal.
The application process involves both UK and Japanese partners.
Step 1
The Japanese principal investigator prepares the application using e-Rad but does not submit it immediately.
Step 2
The UK project lead completes the application through the Funding Service, attaches the Japanese application and submits it.
Step 3
The Japanese partner then submits the completed proposal through the e-Rad system, attaching the UK application as required.
Important Deadlines
Applicants should note the following dates:
- Expression of Interest Deadline: 8 September 2026 (4:00 pm UK time)
- UK Application Deadline: 6 October 2026 (4:00 pm UK time)
- Japan Application Deadline: 7 October 2026 (12:00 pm JST)
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to:
- Advance AI and Beyond 5G/6G technologies
- Strengthen UK-Japan scientific collaboration
- Build long-term research partnerships
- Support innovation that improves digital connectivity
- Deliver economic and societal benefits through next-generation communications technologies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this grant open to individual researchers?
No. Applications must involve eligible research partners from both the UK and Japan.
Can industry partners participate?
Yes. Industry partners may contribute through in-kind or costed support, but they cannot receive funding directly from this opportunity.
Is submitting an Expression of Interest mandatory?
No. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit one before the full application.
How many projects will receive funding?
Approximately three collaborative research projects are expected to receive funding.
Conclusion
The UK-Japan Advanced Connectivity Technologies Programme offers a significant opportunity for researchers to collaborate on next-generation communication technologies. With funding of up to £897,000 for UK teams and ¥200 million for Japanese partners, the initiative seeks to accelerate innovation in AI-powered networks, Beyond 5G/6G systems, satellite communications, and advanced photonics.
Interested applicants should begin preparing their proposals early and ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
