Blue Sky Proof-of-Concept Fund

Call for 6-month hypothesis-testing projects in neurotechnology 

Cambridge NeuroWorks is proud to introduce the Blue Sky Proof-of-Concept Fund (PoC). This fund is designed to enable robust experimentation on adventurous, early-stage neurotechnology hypotheses.

We embrace a high-risk, high-impact approach: projects may generate a proof-of-concept that accelerates neurotechnology translation or – equally importantly - disprove a hypothesis enabling a pivot to a stronger idea.  

By de-risking bold concepts, encouraging patient involvement and providing access to subject matter experts and the Cambridge NeuroWorks ecosystem, we seek to empower you to deliver transformative impact on some of the most pressing neurological conditions of our time.   

What we're seeking

We welcome ambitious proposals from anyone with a bold and clear hypothesis that could revolutionise neurotechnology and improve patient outcomes. 

Research proposals should be ambitious, address a clinical need, and align with the ARIA's Scalable Neural Interface Opportunity Space. The project should be completed within six months and provide a clear outcome on whether the underlying hypothesis holds up. 

Applicants should demonstrate a deep understanding of the problem they aim to solve and the potential impact of their solution. To ensure streamlined delivery of short, intensive projects, we will prioritise proposals from individuals with relevant prior experience and/or those able to collaborate with academic experts.

All projects must be delivered through UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to guarantee access to suitable research environments.  

How the Blue Sky Proof-of-Concept Fund works

This UK-wide scheme funds neurotechnology projects of up to six months, unlocking access to existing research environments within Higher Education Institutions and offering up to £50,000 funding towards eligible direct costs.  

£ 50,000
A budget of up to £50,000 to cover eligible project costs
6 months
Dedicated to hypothesis-testing your project

Throughout your project, you'll receive support from the Cambridge NeuroWorks network, including resourced access to subject matter experts. As all funded projects need to be hosted by a UK HEI for the duration of the project, if you are not currently a staff member, registered collaborator or visitor, please engage with your chosen host HEI as early as possible to establish the necessary connection.  


What we are committing to:

  • Awarding a budget of up to £50,000 to cover eligible project costs: 

    • The grant covers 100% of relevant expenditure, including directly allocated and directly incurred costs 

    • Please note that indirect costs, overheads, and large capital equipment costs are not covered 

  • Resourcing mutually agreed access to subject-matter experts and advisory support throughout your project 

  • Maintaining regular contact to actively support your work and integrate it within the Cambridge NeuroWorks ecosystem, helping you unlock the full benefits of its wider network


What you are committing to:

  • Explaining the problem you aim to address and your vision for how the project could benefit patients in the longer term

  • Rigorously testing an ambitious hypothesis and defining clear criteria for the possible project outcomes 

  • Identifying a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) with the facilities and willingness to host your project. Note: written confirmation from your host HEI is not required until the Full Proposal deadline (mid-April), but early engagement is strongly encouraged

  • Leading the project within the agreed budget and timeframe  

  • Starting the project between 15th June and 15th September 2026

  • Maintaining regular contact with the Cambridge NeuroWorks team

  • Reporting progress against agreed project milestones and budget

Application process

01.
Outline proposal:

Complete the short online application form by 20th January 2026.

02.
Conversation:

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a conversation about their proposal in February 2026. 

03.
Full proposal:

Selected applicants will submit a full proposal by 15th April 2026 – complementing the outline proposal with a budget breakdown.

04.
Contracting:

Successful projects will receive a standardised contract to be signed by the applicant's host HEI in June 2026 (See Further Particulars). Please share the Award Letter template with your host HEI at an early stage.

05.
Project start:

Projects may begin at any point between 15th June and 15th September 2026.

Applications are now open

Complete your outline application by 20th January 2026.

Read the further particulars here.

Read the award letter for the non-negotiable terms and conditions here.

Apply here

Got a question? 
For queries about the Blue Sky Proof-of-Concept Fund, please contact us HERE

Please note: email responses may be delayed between 22nd December 2025 and 5th January 2026, due to limited monitoring.

Further particulars can be found below. Applicants will complete the form via Microsoft Forms and submit a Proof-of-Concept project description (maximum 1,200 words).

Read Further Particulars here

We are focused on

Empowering pioneering researchers and innovators

Providing the freedom, resources, and network needed to pursue high-risk, high-impact Proof-of-Concept projects at any UK HEI.

Cultivating a new culture

Providing a collaborative framework for HEIs hosting adventurous, early-stage neurotechnology projects. 

Accelerating breakthroughs

Derisking of bold ideas, access to mentorship, and encouraging early patient involvement to drive transformative impact.  

Activating a UK-wide neurotech network

We're building a UK-wide neurotech community and research infrastructure. The Proof-of-Concept fund supports projects across the UK.