SSI runs the Research Software Maintenance Fund, supported by the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure programme. It offers £4.8 million to support and sustain key research software, ensuring it remains reliable and accessible. Round two will fund grants of up to £150,000 for up to 12 months.
To apply, you must maintain existing software that is currently used to enable UK research.
The fund is not intended for developing entirely new software, nor to develop software for the purpose of researching it. Full eligibility details will be published when the call for Expressions of Interest opens on 28 January 2026.
Eligible applicants will be asked to first submit an expression of interest. If successful, applicants will then receive an invite to submit a full proposal in April 2026.
Final decisions will be made by July. The earliest start date for projects is October 2026.