Funding for Advanced Connectivity System Integration Projects (UK)

The Innovate UK Advanced Connectivity Systems Integration Grant supports projects that combine UK-based connectivity technologies into secure, end-to-end telecommunications systems. The programme aims to close the system integration gap by enabling multi-vendor interoperability across network components such as Core, RAN, and hardware or software layers. Up to £18.5 million is available, with projects requesting £2–4 million and delivering results within 18 months.

Overview

Innovate UK is inviting grant applications to fund projects that integrate advanced connectivity technologies developed in the UK into complete and secure telecommunications systems.

The competition addresses a key challenge in the telecom sector: many high-value connectivity components exist but are not integrated into market-ready solutions. By supporting system-level integration, the programme helps convert individual technologies into deployable, interoperable systems suitable for real-world deployment.

The initiative focuses on developing secure, multi-vendor connectivity systems that combine technologies across multiple network layers and demonstrate their performance, reliability, and security.

Key Objectives of the Programme

The competition is designed to strengthen the UK’s advanced connectivity ecosystem by supporting projects that:

• Integrate UK-anchored connectivity technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–7
• Build end-to-end system architectures combining multiple vendors and components
• Demonstrate secure interoperability across telecom network layers, including Core and Radio Access Network (RAN)
• Generate technical evidence and validation reports, including system performance and security analysis
• Enable market-ready solutions that meet the needs of telecom operators and end users
• Support commercial adoption and scalable deployment

The focus is not on developing individual components but on integrating existing technologies into working systems.

Funding Amount and Project Duration

The competition provides significant financial support to large-scale integration projects.

Total funding available:
£18.5 million

Funding per project:
• Minimum: £2 million
• Maximum: £4 million

Funding cap per organisation:
• No organisation may claim more than £3 million

Project duration:
• Maximum 18 months

Projects must start on the first day of a calendar month and cannot begin until the Grant Offer Letter from Innovate UK is approved.

Technology Scope: Advanced Connectivity Systems

Projects must focus on integrating advanced connectivity technologies into complete systems.

Examples include:

• Open RAN and interoperable radio systems
• Next-generation mobile networks (5G and beyond)
• Network virtualisation and cloud-based telecom infrastructure
• Secure telecommunications architectures
• Multi-vendor network ecosystems

Projects must demonstrate end-to-end system functionality, rather than focusing on a single technology component.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply for this grant competition, project teams must meet specific partnership and operational requirements.

Required Project Partners

Each project consortium must include:

1. A Systems Integrator
The systems integrator is responsible for:

• Overall system architecture and design
• Multi-vendor interoperability coordination
• Security and resilience assurance
• System-level integration

2. At Least One Business Partner

The consortium must also include at least one:

• Small business
• Medium-sized enterprise (SME)
• Large company

Operational Requirements

All funded organisations must:

• Conduct the project work within the United Kingdom
• Demonstrate the intention to exploit project results in or from the UK
• Participate in a collaborative project led by a systems integrator

Why This Programme Matters

The telecommunications sector increasingly depends on interoperable and secure connectivity systems. However, many advanced technologies remain isolated components that cannot easily be deployed in real-world networks.

This competition helps address that gap by funding system-level integration projects that transform standalone innovations into deployable solutions.

Key benefits include:

• Accelerating commercialisation of UK telecom innovations
• Strengthening multi-vendor network ecosystems
• Improving security and resilience in telecom infrastructure
• Supporting the UK’s leadership in next-generation connectivity

Ultimately, the programme enables technologies to move from research and prototype stages into market-ready telecom solutions.

How the Grant Works

Projects funded under this competition must focus on system integration and validation rather than early-stage research.

Funded activities may include:

• Designing reference system architectures
• Integrating technologies across network layers (Core, RAN, hardware, software)
• Demonstrating secure interoperability between vendors
• Conducting technical testing and performance validation
• Producing system assurance and security reports

Deliverables typically include:

• Reference architectures
• Integration frameworks
• Security and resilience assessments
• Performance and interoperability reports

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit a successful application.

Step 1: Form a Consortium

Build a project team that includes:

• A qualified systems integrator
• At least one business partner (SME or large company)
• Technology providers or component developers where relevant

Step 2: Define the System Architecture

Develop a clear proposal that explains:

• The end-to-end connectivity system design
• The technologies being integrated (TRL 4–7)
• The interoperability approach across vendors and network layers

Step 3: Demonstrate Market Relevance

Show how the system:

• Addresses real industry needs
• Supports telecom operators or end users
• Can be deployed commercially

Step 4: Prepare Technical Evidence

Include plans for generating:

• Performance validation data
• Security and resilience testing results
• Reference architectures and integration frameworks

Step 5: Submit the Proposal

Submit the application through the Innovate UK funding portal before the competition deadline.

Projects will only start after Innovate UK issues and approves the Grant Offer Letter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many proposals fail due to avoidable issues. Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

1. Focusing only on component development
Projects must demonstrate system-level integration, not just individual technologies.

2. Weak interoperability strategy
Applications must clearly show how multiple vendors and technologies will work together.

3. Lack of a strong systems integrator
A credible integrator with experience managing complex telecom systems is essential.

4. Limited commercial relevance
Projects must show clear use cases and market adoption potential.

5. Incomplete technical validation plans
Strong proposals include clear plans for testing, validation, and performance reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main goal of the Innovate UK connectivity integration competition?

The competition aims to support projects that integrate UK-developed advanced connectivity technologies into secure, interoperable end-to-end telecom systems that are ready for commercial deployment.

2. How much funding is available?

Innovate UK will invest up to £18.5 million across selected projects.

3. How much funding can a single project request?

Each project can request between £2 million and £4 million, with a maximum of £3 million per organisation.

4. What technology readiness levels are eligible?

Projects must integrate technologies within TRL 4–7, meaning technologies that have already progressed beyond early research but are not yet fully commercialised.

5. Is collaboration required?

Yes. Projects must include:

• A systems integrator
• At least one business partner

Collaborative consortium projects are mandatory.

6. Where must project work take place?

All funded organisations must conduct project activities within the United Kingdom.

7. When can projects begin?

Projects must start on the first day of a month and can only begin after Innovate UK approves the Grant Offer Letter.

Conclusion

The Innovate UK Advanced Connectivity Systems Integration Grant is a major opportunity for organisations working in telecommunications, network infrastructure, and advanced connectivity technologies.

By focusing on system-level integration, interoperability, and secure telecom architectures, the programme aims to transform innovative components into deployable, market-ready connectivity systems.

For companies and research partners developing advanced telecom technologies in the UK, this competition provides critical funding to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world deployment.