The Japan-UK joint call for collaborations in Advanced Connectivity Technologies supports world‑leading research partnerships between the United Kingdom and Japan in the field of advanced connectivity. This programme is funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Japan’s National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), with direct support from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Japan’s Ministry of Communications.

Overview

The partnership aims to fund internationally competitive collaborative research projects that will accelerate progress in advanced connectivity technologies. Projects are expected to build research ecosystems for the next generation of researchers, strengthen the existing landscapes within each country, and drive economic growth, improve lives, and reinforce resilience in an increasingly connected world. Approximately three research projects of up to three years’ duration are expected to be funded. The earliest anticipated start date for funded projects is April 2027.

Funding and Benefits

EPSRC has a total of £3.37 million (100% full economic cost) available, and NICT has a total of ¥600 million available for this activity.

• UK budget requests: up to £897,000 (80% of full economic cost) per proposal
• Japanese budget requests: up to ¥200 million per proposal
• Award duration: up to a maximum of three years

UK applicants may request funding for costs including salaries for project leads and co-leads, research and technical posts, project management, research consumables, travel and subsistence, data preservation and dissemination, and estates and indirect costs.

Research Areas

Proposals must address one or more of the following scope areas:

Scope area one: Integration of AI in digital networks
This area focuses on developing AI-driven communication networks built on robust, trustworthy, and traceable AI architecture. It includes designing data-centric, AI-native networks capable of self-management and optimisation, supported by reliable measurement methodologies. Progress relies on advanced edge technologies, open standards, sustainability, security, AI interoperability, and energy-efficient, physics-informed, interpretable AI.

Scope area two: Non-terrestrial Networks
Non-terrestrial Networks (satellites, drones, high-altitude platforms) depend on advanced hardware, quantum technologies, AI, experimental testbeds, and strong security. Key challenges include developing reliable communication methods under rapidly changing conditions, creating smaller low-power hardware, advancing next-generation satellite and quantum communication systems, ensuring interoperability across space, air, and ground networks, and building scalable Internet of Things platforms.

Scope area three: Advanced optics/photonics
This area centres on developing next-generation optical and wireless networks, from designing scalable, resilient, and energy-efficient optical infrastructures to advancing ultrawideband fibre technologies. It includes integration of optical and wireless systems for global-scale sensing, enabling end-to-end photonic networks, and developing quantum-enabled communication links. Building sustainable, interoperable systems with shared standards across data centres, mobile networks, and operators is a key priority.

Eligibility

UK applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. EPSRC standard eligibility rules apply. Japanese applicants must meet the NICT eligibility requirements as detailed in the NICT Fund Project for Beyond 5G/6G documentation. Proposals submitted by universities or other academic institutions in Japan are recommended to be submitted in the form of an industry‑academia consortium. The UKRI‑RCN Money Follows Cooperation Agreement does not apply, so grants cannot include a Norway‑based international co‑project lead. Uninvited resubmissions of projects previously submitted to UKRI or any other funder will not be accepted.

Application Process

Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest if they intend to submit a joint UK‑Japan proposal. The full funding opportunity is expected to open in July 2026; full details on how to apply will be published at that time. The proposal should be submitted by one or more research institutions seeking to undertake the commissioned work. Applicants are encouraged to follow the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and the Technician Commitment.

Deadline and Timeline

• Publication date: 15 June 2026
• Opening date: 15 June 2026, 9:00am UK time
• Closing date for Expression of Interest: 8 September 2026, 4:00pm UK time
• Full funding opportunity opens: July 2026
• Earliest start date for funded projects: April 2027

Contact Information

For questions related to this funding opportunity, contact the EPSRC Future Communications Team at future.communications@epsrc.ukri.org with ‘Japan-UK Joint Call’ in the subject line. Japanese applicants may contact NICT at info-itaku@ml.nict.go.jp. Applicants should contact their own research office in the first instance for help with costings and writing applications.