Network funding

Accelerating ideas

Pre-announcement: The ZeDTech Network will launch its funding call on 14 January 2026.

We are supporting projects that develop sustainable, low-burden technologies to enable people with dementia to live independently for longer.

Please note: This is a pre-announcement and the information may change. More information will be available on this page from 14th January 2026.

What we will fund

Feasibility studies
Do you have an idea that could help people living with dementia live more independently?

What we’re looking for:

  • Tech solutions for: mobility, everyday living, communication, health monitoring, carer support

  • Projects co-developed with people with lived experience

  • Cross-disciplinary proposals led by academic researchers in collaboration with industry

Funding at a glance

  • £50,000 - £100,000 per feasibility project

  • Funding at 80% FEC

  • 12–24 month projects starting from June 2026

Join our webinar to learn about new funding for early-stage research in sustainable, low-burden technologies.

More details will be announced on 14th January!

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Eligibility

The call is open to ZeDTech network members only. Non-members can sign up for free.

You must read the EPSRC eligibility criteria before applying.

Applicants are encouraged to attend the ZeDTech conference, workshops and webinar.

    • Must be academic employees (lecturer or equivalent) at an eligible UK organisation.

    • Must be resident in the UK.

    • EPSRC, Royal Society, and Royal Academy of Engineering fellows at later career stages are eligible.

    • Postdoctoral fellowships aimed at early career stages are not eligible.

  • Must meet UKRI eligibility. Eligible organisations include:

    • Higher education providers

    • Research institutes

    • Public sector research establishments

    • NHS bodies

    • Independent research organisations

    • Catapult centres

    Check if you’re eligible

  • We welcome collaborations with:

    • Clinicians, carers, and lived experience groups

    • Early career researchers

    • Industry and third sector partners

    These groups may not meet EPSRC/UKRI eligibility, but they can be included as collaborators on proposals. Subcontracted costs (e.g. consultancy, manufacturing, services) may be requested if invoices are provided via the lead institution.

    More details on eligible costs.

Application process

We will implement a competitive application process in line with the funder guidelines around eligibility and following UKRI principles of peer review and UKRI Principles of Assessment and Decision Making.

Review panels will include people with lived experience and will be selected to ensure diversity and to minimise conflicts of interest.

Further details of the assessment process and assessment criteria will be published when the funding opportunity opens.

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Key dates

14 Jan 2026: ZeDTech Webinar (Funding Call Opening)

Jan – Feb 2026: ZeDTech Workshops

9 Mar 2026: ZeDTech Summit (Launch Conference)

23 Mar 2026: Deadline for funding applications (Funding Call Closes)