Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme (EiR) 2026 in UK

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The Royal Society has opened applications for its Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Scheme 2026. The program is designed for experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs who want to work with UK universities and support research translation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The scheme allows participants to spend one day each week at a host university while developing a project that strengthens collaboration between academia and industry.

The Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme is part of the Royal Society’s Science, Industry and Translation programme. It supports professionals with significant industrial research experience who can share practical knowledge with university staff and students. Successful applicants will receive funding of up to £25,000 per year for two years to cover salary contributions, travel, and project-related expenses. Applications are open until 19 August 2026, while funding decisions are expected by 30 November 2026.

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About Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence 2026

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Scheme aims to increase awareness of cutting-edge industrial science, research, and innovation across UK universities. Award holders work closely with academic departments to help translate research into practical applications and encourage stronger partnerships between universities and industry.

Instead of conducting academic research, Entrepreneurs in Residence focus on sharing industrial expertise, mentoring researchers, promoting commercialisation, and helping universities understand current industry challenges. Each successful applicant develops a tailored project with a UK host institution based on its specific needs.

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Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Benefits

The Royal Society provides funding for a period of two years. The award is worth up to £25,000 per year and supports several expenses required for the project.

Successful applicants will receive:

Salary support equivalent to 20% (0.2 FTE) of their current basic salary.
Funding for travel between the applicant and the host university.
Accommodation costs where required.
Project expenses are needed to deliver the planned activities.
Support for conferences, workshops, meetings, and professional training.
Professional recognition through participation in a nationally funded innovation programme.

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Who Can Apply?

The Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme is open to applicants from any nationality. However, applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the award.

Applicants should have a background in science or engineering and demonstrate substantial industrial research experience. In addition, they should have experience in at least one of the following areas:

Managing university and industry collaborations.
Research commercialisation and technology transfer.
Entrepreneurship, company formation, business growth, or investment.
Coaching, mentoring, or professional training.

The scheme accepts applications from individuals who are employed full-time, employed part-time, or self-employed.

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Eligible Research Fields

The scheme covers most disciplines within the natural sciences, including:

Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Engineering
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics
Biological Sciences

Clinical medicine is not eligible under this funding programme.

What Will Entrepreneurs in Residence Do?

Award holders spend approximately one day per week at their host university during the two-year award period.

Their responsibilities may include:

Introducing students and researchers to industrial research and development.
Supporting innovation and research commercialisation.
Advising academic teams on industry challenges.
Delivering entrepreneurship workshops and mentoring sessions.
Building stronger partnerships between universities and businesses.
Encouraging knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

Each project is developed jointly with the host university and is tailored to meet institutional priorities and innovation goals.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® online grant management system.

Applicants are expected to prepare a project proposal with their host university, provide supporting documents, and complete all required sections before the deadline.

After submission:

Applications are checked for eligibility.
Eligible proposals are reviewed by members of the Industry and Translation selection panel.
Final recommendations are verified before funding decisions are announced.

Applicants should also ensure that all supporting statements and institutional approvals are completed before submission.