CfI: Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) – Call 1

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of £15 million to develop near-term, testable solutions that advance the UK's Secure & Resilient and Sustainable Network Grand Challenges. The CfI ACT programme focuses on supporting deployable prototypes on UK testbeds. Projects must demonstrate a clear path to adoption by network operators, vendors, or public sector users, and evidence measurable improvements in network performance.

Who can apply

Open to UK-registered organisations of any size. Projects must be 3-12 months in duration, start by September 2026, with eligible costs between £200,000 and £2 million.

Perks & benefits

Access to national labs and facilities including Catapult Network
Access to Future Connectivity Hubs and JOINER testbed
Potential for future funding phases
Portfolio approach allowing highly-rated proposals to be considered for future competitions

Key contacts

Innovate UK Customer Support Team
Customer Support
[email protected] 0300 321 4357

Sources

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