Research commercialisation - Proof of Concept Fund 2026-2027: guidance

Who can apply

Eligibility criteria

The fund is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:

• the lead applicant must be based at a Scottish university
• the lead applicant can be at any stage in their research career from post-doc onwards (PhD students are not eligible)
• employees from Government, agencies, private sector companies, industry bodies and sole traders are not eligible to apply for this funding

Projects that applied for funding from the 2025/26 proof of concept fund but were unsuccessful are eligible to reapply in this round.

Scottish Government proof of concept funding recipients 2025/2026

Projects that successfully received Tier 1 funding in 2025/26 are eligible to apply for Tier 2 funding this round providing they can evidence how the project has progressed and justify the need for further funding.

Projects that successfully received Tier 2 funding in 2025/26 are not eligible to apply for further funding in this round.

UKRI Proof of concept fund recipients

Projects that are successful in receiving funding from the UKRI Proof-of-Concept fund in 2026 will not be eligible for funding from this fund to prevent duplication of funding.

ICURe/HGSP Opportunity Qualification funding recipients

Projects will not be eligible for Tier 1 funding if they have previously had ICURe explore/exploit and/or HGSP Opportunity Qualification funding and support.

Other funding recipients

Projects in receipt of other funding e.g. ICURe explore or HGSP are eligible to apply for Tier 2 funding, but the activities funded must be distinct from those being funded by other programmes and this should be set out in the application form.

University support and evidence

All applicants to the fund must have the support of their university, and this must be evidenced in the application. Early engagement with your Technology Transfer Office (TTO), research office, knowledge exchange office or equivalent is recommended to ensure support can be provided.

Applications must be submitted by the university TTO or equivalent to be considered and should not be submitted directly by the applicant.

Each application must have a named contact from the TTO. If the project is funded, the TTO contact will be responsible for ensuring the project delivery phase is properly managed to ensure milestones are met within the required timeframe.