Funding opportunity

Multidisciplinary Food Systems Commercialisation Catalyst awards

• Opportunity status: Open
• Funders: Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Funding type: Grant
• Total fund: £1,250,000
• Maximum award: £125,000
• Publication date: 2 May 2025
• Opening date: 17 April 2025 12:00pm UK time
• Closing date: 13 June 2025 4:00pm UK time

Apply for funding to address key issues that relate to building healthy, sustainable and resilient food systems through commercialisation.

You must:

• have a PhD or similar research or innovation experience
• be based at an eligible UK research organisation

We are looking to unite researchers from across the social sciences and biosciences to break down disciplinary barriers, cross-pollinate skills, ideas and expertise.

The full economic cost of your project can be up to £125,000. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will fund 80% of the full economic cost.

Zinc is delivering the programme on behalf of BBSRC and ESRC.

Who can apply

You must:

• have a PhD or similar research or innovation experience
• be based at an eligible UK research organisation

For further information see ESRC’s research funding guide.

To lead a project, you must be based at an eligible organisation. Check if your organisation is eligible.

What we're looking for

In partnership with BBSRC and ESRC, Zinc has launched a new initiative, the Multidisciplinary Food Systems Commercialisation Catalyst.

We are looking for social science and bioscience researchers who want to break down disciplinary barriers, cross-pollinate skills, ideas and expertise.

You will address key issues that relate to building healthy, sustainable and resilient food systems through commercialisation.

This is a two-stage programme. If successful, you will benefit from:

• participation in the food system sandpit
• £100,000 from UKRI (100% of the full economic cost is £125,000)
• a six-month support programme from Zinc, designed to help translate research into impactful enterprises

How to apply

This is a multi-stage application process, including an expression of interest form and an invitation to submit a short video.

See the full opportunity details on the Zinc website.

Deadline

Zinc must receive your application by 13 June 2025 at 4:00pm UK time.

You will not be able to apply after this time.

You should ensure you are aware of and follow any internal institutional deadlines that may be in place.

How we will assess your application

See the full opportunity details on the Zinc website.

Contact details

Get help with developing your application

For help and advice on costings and writing your application, contact your research office in the first instance, allowing sufficient time for your organisation’s submission process.

Ask about this funding opportunity

Zinc

Email: catalyst@zinc.vc

Natasha Stanton, Senior Portfolio Manager, Commercialisation, ESRC

Email: natasha.stanton@esrc.ukri.org

Additional info

This is a two-stage programme.

Phase one

Steps for phase one are:

1. Submit your expression of interest by 13 June 2025, 4:00pm UK time.
2. Join the online collaboration platform.
3. Attend the sandpit.
4. Submit your application for the full programme.

Phase two

Steps for phase two are:

1. Receive a grant of up to £125,000 (100% full economic cost).
2. Join the Zinc support programme.