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UK Integrated Security Fund

Optical wireless communications research and testing facility

Funding to establish a national optical wireless communications test facility.

OpenEngineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilUnited Kingdom

This opportunity supports the establishment of a shared national research and test facility for systematic, real-world investigation, products and services development and validation of optical wireless communications technologies.

Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funding. The lead research organisation is the o…

The investment supports a national research and testing facility for integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial communication systems operating in three-dimensional environments. It covers outdoor free-space optical communications and indoor optical wireless networking, including terrestrial, aerial, maritime, underwater and non-terrestrial environments. It will not fund costs associated with the support of individual research projects.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.27 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£7.1M

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-188803Source: www.ukri.org