EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships

EPSRC Prosperity Partnerships is EPSRC's flagship co-investment route for long-term, use-inspired research between UK businesses and universities. Launched in 2017, the scheme has supported about 100 partnerships and around £600 million to date. It sits under EPSRC and is designed for businesses that want a deep research relationship rather than a short development sprint. EPSRC funds 80% of full economic cost, while the business partner provides matching cash. The programme is open to established UK businesses working with universities on collaborative projects, and the structure expects a true partnership with a prior research relationship of at least a year. The current round carries a £40 million fund, with starts expected in 2027. The best applications usually combine industrial pull with a research question that is still ambitious and open-ended. EPSRC uses the route to back lower-TRL engineering and physical sciences work where the business partner can shape the problem and sustain the collaboration. Strong bids show a clear strategic fit, a credible partnership history, and enough technical depth to justify years of joint work rather than a narrow procurement-style project.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.