UKRI Translation: MRC Proof of Concept: stage one

Open UKRI funding opportunity · Grant. Closes 2026-11-18. Opportunity page: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mrc-proof-of-concept-stage-one/

This funding opportunity was previously titled ‘Developmental pathway funding scheme: stage one’. Ensure you apply to the correct scheme, as similarly titled UKRI opportunities exist.

Apply for funding to develop and test novel therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and other interventions across any stage of the developmental pathway, from prototype development, through pre-clinical refinement, to early-phase clinical studies (up to phase 2a).

You must be based at a research organisation eligible for Medical Research Council (MRC) funding.

There is no funding limit but requested costs should be appropriate to the project.

What we're looking for Scope

You can apply for academically-led translational projects that aim to either:

- improve prevention, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of significant health needs

- develop research tools that increase the efficiency of developing interventions

All human diseases and medical interventions are eligible for support, both in the context of UK healthcare and addressing global health issues.

Your project can start and finish at any stage on the developmental pathway from early prototype development, through pre-clinical refinement and testing, to early-phase clinical studies and trials (up to phase 2a). You must provide sufficient proof of concept data in support of your approach. You can submit follow-on proposals where you can justify the need for continued support.

For smaller scale or earlier-stage translational projects, you can apply for funding to generate critical data and de-risk further development (including a future MRC Proof of Concept application) via:

- MRC impact acceleration accounts (available at certain research organisations)

- UKRI Translation: MRC Impact Acceleration Awards (formerly Gap Fund)

Activities we support

You can apply for funding for…