Network funding

Accelerating ideas

The ZeDTech Network funding call closes on 23rd March 2026.

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

ZeDTech Funding Call Guidlines & Application Form
ZeDTech Webinar Slides

What we will fund

Feasibility research projects to develop zero- or low burden, sustainable technologies that support independent living for people with dementia

What we’re looking for:

  • Zero-burden, sustainable 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, can be in collaboration with industry and other partners

  • Feasibility studies focussing on early-stage development, proof-of-concept, user testing, and/or implementation considerations

  • Aim to prepare a larger project application to EPSRC or NIHR

  • Ensure the research to be carried out is within the EPSRC remit

  • Ensure EPSRC & UKRI eligibility criteria are met

Funding at a glance

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

  • Funding at 80% FEC

  • 12–24 month projects starting from June 2026

See the ZeDTech funding call guidelines & application form and the webinar slides for further information.

Attend our workshops and conference to connect with others and create new collaborations.

People working on designing a mobile app, with sketches, wireframes, and prototypes on paper, along with two smartphones, pens, and sticky notes on a white table.
Electronics testing setup with a green circuit board, a magnifier, wires, and a person holding a soldering iron or testing device.

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 must be based at a UK institution and be eligible to apply for EPSRC grant funding

    • 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.

    Check if you’re 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

ZeDTech Funding Call Guidlines & Application Form

Email your application to zedtech@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: 23 March 2026, 17:00, UK time

Applications will be evaluated on:

  • Scientific excellence

  • Alignment with ZeDTech’s vision and principles

  • Project need and potential impact

  • PPIE integration

  • Collaboration strength

  • Equality, diversity, and inclusion

  • Clarity of milestones

  • Sustainability and potential for wider use

The applications will be reviewed by a panel of reviewers, including people with lived experience of dementia. Please ensure you use lay language.

The panel will be selected to minimise Conflicts of Interest, and when there is a conflict, the panel member will be absent for those discussions.

Processes for allocation of research funds will be fair and transparent.

Outcomes will be announced in May 2026, with projects starting from June 2026.

A woman with short gray hair and earrings, wearing a sleeveless pink and orange patterned top, is sitting at a table with a glass of water, papers, and personal items in front of her. She is gesturing with her right hand, holding up one finger, and appears to be speaking or making a point.
A woman with curly hair and glasses signs a document at a table surrounded by other people.

Key dates

14 January 2026: ZeDTech Webinar (Funding Call Opening)

January - February 2026: ZeDTech Workshops

9 March 2026: ZeDTech Summit

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

23 April 2026: Applications Review Panel Meeting

May 2026: Outcomes announced

From June 2026: Feasibility projects start