Transformative sustainable AI technologies

Solicitation OPP1305, issued by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), seeks the development of Transformative Sustainable AI Technologies designed to achieve a step change in AI sustainability. The scope encompasses the entire AI stack, including infrastructure, hardware accelerators, power delivery, and computing environments such as edge computing, distributed systems, and high-performance computing. The objective is to maximize long-term economic and societal value while minimizing environmental harm and ensuring ethical, inclusive outcomes. The total funding pool is 12,050,000 GBP, with individual awards capped at a maximum full economic cost of 602,500 GBP. Applications must be submitted via the UKRI Funding Service by November 10, 2026. Required documentation includes a three-page Vision and Approach PDF, a 550-word summary, and detailed sections on team capability, resources, risk and reward, and reviewer nominations. Proposals are evaluated through a Distributed Peer Review process and ranked into three tiers based on average scores, with Tier 1 being prioritized for funding. Evaluation focuses on the potential for transformative improvements to AI sustainability. Applicants must also provide mandatory declarations regarding Responsible Research and Innovation, specifically concerning human participants, genetic technologies, or animal research.