UK AI founders can apply for up to 1 million GPU hours per startup through Sovereign AI’s latest computing access round, which offers eligible research and development projects free access to Isambard-AI.
The program combines computing time through the AI Research Resource (AIRR) with technical onboarding and support from the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing (BriCS), based at the University of Bristol. Cloud computing support is also available where appropriate.
Applicants need to demonstrate what their research could achieve and why access to computing resources would make a material difference. Sovereign AI is seeking UK-based projects with teams capable of delivering them and a case for building lasting technical and commercial capability in the country.
“We want to understand what you’re trying to prove, why you need the compute, what it would unlock, and how the work could build lasting technical and commercial capability in the UK,” Madeleine Steggall, Compute Lead at the UK Sovereign AI Fund, wrote on LinkedIn.
Smaller teams can start with smaller allocations
The maximum allocation is not a minimum requirement. Earlier-stage companies can seek smaller amounts of computing time to test a technical hypothesis, demonstrate its potential and build toward larger research projects.
“And you don’t necessarily need a million GPU hours on day one,” Steggall wrote.
Participating companies will receive hands-on onboarding and specialist technical support from BriCS, alongside engagement with Sovereign AI as their projects progress. The offer is free at the point of access for eligible R&D.
From cheaper AI to scientific discovery
The call targets six areas, including research that makes AI less expensive and more efficient to run. That encompasses new chips and compilers, as well as different approaches to training models and running them once trained.
Another focus is work that challenges how AI models are built, including alternative architectures and training methods.
Scientific discovery and healthcare are also priorities. Sovereign AI is seeking proposals involving protein and materials engineering, chemistry, physics and biology, alongside drug discovery, biomedical research and clinical capabilities.
The remaining areas concern AI safety and national resilience. Relevant projects could improve model evaluation, security, monitoring and assurance, or develop capabilities for cyber defense and autonomous systems.
Sovereign AI’s wider offering includes early-stage equity investments of £1 million to £10 million alongside co-investors, plus support with talent and infrastructure. The current call focuses on computing access for research projects.
Applications for this round must be submitted through the Sovereign AI website by Friday, November 6, 2026.
ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 open for entries
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 are now open for entries, with 26 categories recognising companies, institutions, projects and individuals making a measurable impact across education technology. The global awards span AI in education, digital learning, higher education, skills and workforce, inclusion, education operations, evidence and impact, with entries managed through ETIH’s new online awards platform.
Entries are open worldwide, with the early-bird deadline on Friday 18 December 2026 and the final entry deadline on Friday 26 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time.
Explore the 2027 categories and judging criteria, read the How to Enter guide or start an entry through the ETIH Innovation Awards 2027 platform.
