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Applications are now open for the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Program 2026/2027 in the United Kingdom, a prestigious funding opportunity designed to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia.

The programme, which is part of The Royal Society’s Science, Industry and Translation Programme, enables highly experienced industrial scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs to spend one day each week at a UK university, helping academics and students translate research into real-world impact.

Unlike traditional fellowships, this programme focuses on increasing universities’ awareness of cutting-edge industrial science, innovation, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship.

Summary

• Programme Name: Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Program 2026/2027
• Host Organization: The Royal Society
• Host Country: United Kingdom
• Programme Type: Industry-Academia Innovation Programme
• Funding Type: Funded Programme
• Duration: Up to 2 Years
• Commitment: 1 Day Per Week (20% Time Commitment)
• Eligible Applicants: Experienced Industrial Scientists and Entrepreneurs
• Funding Amount: Up to £50,000
• Application Opening Date: 3 June 2026
• Application Deadline: 19 August 2026 (3:00 PM UK Time)
• Decision Date: 30 November 2026

About the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Program

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) scheme was created to bridge the gap between academic research and industry application.

Successful applicants will work alongside a UK university to develop a bespoke project that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and research translation.

The programme specifically aims to:

• Increase awareness of industrial science and innovation within universities
• Strengthen academic engagement with industry
• Support research commercialisation
• Encourage entrepreneurial thinking among students and researchers
• Build long-term collaborations between universities and industry partners

Funding Benefits

Successful award holders will receive:

• Funding of up to £50,000 over two years
• Contribution towards salary costs
• Travel support
• Project-related expenses
• Access to UK university innovation ecosystems
• Opportunities to build long-term partnerships
• Opportunities to mentor students and researchers
• Increased professional visibility within academia and industry

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be eligible to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of the award
• Have a background in science or engineering
• Demonstrate significant experience working in industrial science or innovation environments
• Collaborate with an eligible UK university before submitting an application

Eligible Research Areas

The scheme supports all areas of life and physical sciences, including:

• Engineering
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Mathematics
• Environmental Sciences
• Technology and Innovation

Clinical medicine is excluded from this scheme.

Required Components for Application

According to The Royal Society application process, applicants will need:

• A project proposal jointly developed with a UK host university
• A host university supporting statement
• An employer supporting statement (if applicable)
• Two referee nominations
• Submission through The Royal Society Flexi-Grant system

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Identify and secure collaboration with an eligible UK university.

Step 2

Develop a bespoke project that will strengthen innovation and industry engagement within the university.

Step 3

Create an account on The Royal Society Flexi-Grant application system.

Step 4

Complete the online application form.

Step 5

Upload the project information and supporting documents.

Step 6

Arrange for the host university statement and employer statement to be submitted.

Step 7

Nominate two referees.

Step 8

Submit the completed application before 3:00 PM (UK time) on 19 August 2026.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 3 June 2026
• Application Deadline: 19 August 2026 (3:00 PM UK Time)
• Funding Decisions Announced: 30 November 2026

Related Opportunities

• GovAI Winter Fellowship 2027 in London, UK
• Future Leaders Program 2026 in Hungary
• Council of Europe Traineeship Program 2026-27

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This is not an entry-level entrepreneurship programme. The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence scheme is specifically designed for established industrial scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs who already possess significant industry experience.

At AK Travels LTD, we encourage interested applicants to begin discussions with potential UK university partners early, as securing institutional collaboration is one of the most important components of a successful application.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com