NeuroSYNC Flexible Fund
Funding for new ideas and new collaborations in brain-inspired, energy efficient computing.
Research that widens what the Centre does
The NeuroSYNC Flexible Fund supports new partnerships, interdisciplinary ideas and high-risk, high-reward projects that tackle the challenges in the NeuroSYNC roadmap, from living neurons and new materials to photonic and electronic hardware, algorithms and systems. The fund is part of NeuroSYNC's award from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). It is open to the whole UK research community.
About
Innovation
High-risk, high-reward research on the roadmap challenges, including ideas too early or too risky for standard funding.
Collaboration
New collaborations between NeuroSYNC groups and researchers outside the Centre, across computer science, neuroscience, materials, electronics and photonics.
Impact
Work towards applications identified by industry and by the Centre's Industrial Advisory Board.
Early-career researchers
Work towards applications identified by industry and by the Centre's Industrial Advisory Board.
Three project types
1
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Up to £200k
24 months · up to 5 awards, all in Round 1
A new collaboration across disciplines and organisations, large enough to employ a research associate for the whole project. At least two organisations.
2
Exploratory projects
Up to £100k
18–24 months · about 3 awards in Round 1 Smaller, high-risk projects that open a new research direction or test a new method, material or architecture.
3
Feasibility studies
Up to £50k
12 months · about 4 awards in Round 1
A quick test of a promising idea, to produce the evidence for a larger bid. Two of the Round 1 awards are reserved for projects led by early-career researchers.
Six challenges between the lab and computing people can use
NeuroSYNC is developing a roadmap for neuromorphic computing in the UK with researchers, industry and end users. We want projects that tackle at least one of these challenges.
Working with today's AI
Integration with digital infrastructure
03
04
05
06
Scale and manufacturability
Energy efficiency at system level
Savings that survive once memory, data conversion, control and cooling are counted.
Algorithms, training and software that connect new hardware with mainstream AI.
Interfaces, reliability and security alongside conventional computers.
01
02
04
Scale and manufacturability
Reproducible, programmable materials, devices and circuits.
05
Carbon savings
Whole-life energy and emissions, benchmarked against conventional computing.
06
Routes to adoption
Benchmarks and application cases that show where neuromorphic computing gives a clear advantage.
Strong ideas outside these challenges are welcome if they clearly advance neuromorphic systems and computing.
Looking for collaborators?
Email us a short description of your idea by 16 November2026 and we will introduce you to NeuroSYNC researchers working in that area.This route is open to everyone and gives no advantage in assessment.
Open to the UK research community
-
The lead applicant works at a UK university or other research organisation eligible for UKRI funding.
-
Researchers on fixed-term contracts, including postdocs, can lead if their organisation confirms it will employ them for the whole project.
-
Companies, charities, public bodies and organisations outside the UK can join as partners.
Early-career researchers
We want the fund to give early-career researchers the chance to lead their own projects. Four of the eight Type C awards across the two rounds are reserved for projects led by researchers who do not yet hold a permanent post, two of them in Round 1. Reviewers take career stage into account when they assess the team
UK-Netherlands collaboration
Up to £50k in each round is reserved for projects with a Dutch university, institute or company, following NeuroSYNC's part in the UK–Netherlands discussions on neuromorphic computing that began in November 2025.
Independent review, published criteria
At least two independent external experts review each eligibleapplication, and the NeuroSYNC Flexible Funding Board makes therecommendations. The NeuroSYNC Steering Committee approves thefinal awards.
Anyone with a conflict of interest takes no part in assessing anapplication. Every applicant whose proposal is reviewed receiveswritten feedback.
Innovation
40%
A novel, ambitious idea and a sound, feasible plan.
Impact
30%
Fit with the roadmap challenges and industry needs, links to NeuroSYNC work, partner support where relevant, and a credible next step.
Team
30%
The right expertise for the career stage, a collaboration that adds value, support for early-career researchers, sound management and justified costs.
Round 1 timeline
Wednesday 4 Nov 2026
Call Opens
Tuesday 24 Nov 2026
Last date for questions
By 10 Jan 2027
Decisions and feedback
Thursday 12 Nov 2026
Online briefing for applicants, 13:00-14:00
Tuesday 1 Dec 2026
Application deadline, 16:00 UK time
1 Feb - 1 Mar 2027
Projects start
Round 2, for Types B and C, is expected to open in autumn 2027
Three steps
-
Read the guidance and check that your project is eligible.
-
Ask your research office to cost the project and approve the application.
-
Email the completed form and attachments as one PDF to neuromorphic@aston.ac.uk by the deadline
Questions?
Email neuromorphic@aston.ac.uk. We add every question and answer to the FAQ, without names, so that all applicants have the same information.