Contracts for Innovation: FOAK26

Contracts for Innovation: FOAK26 supports prototype development, field testing, and demonstration of solutions for rail innovation challenges. The competition is delivered through Innovate UK with Department for Transport co-funding.

Innovate UK / Department for Transport (DfT) lists this opportunity for Businesses, organisations & subcontractors, STEM, Engineering & Technology, Global / United Kingdom. Applicants should use the official call page to confirm final requirements before submitting.

To lead a project, applicants can be an organisation of any size, including those based in the EU, EEA, or internationally.

Applicants may work alone or with other organisations as subcontractors.

Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity only.

Prototype development, field testing, and demonstration of rail innovation solutions across eight competition themes.

Projects should address the official FOAK26 competition scope and demonstrate practical potential for the rail sector.

Organisations can apply for a share of up to GBP 4.3 million, inclusive of VAT.

Application deadline: Jun 24, 2026.

Confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, and submission route on the official call page.

Plan internal approvals, partner confirmations, budgets, letters, and portal submission before the final deadline.

Use the official UKRI/Innovate UK page and the linked Innovation Funding Service route by 24 June 2026 at 11:00 am UK time.

Before submitting, check required documents, eligible costs, attachments, page limits, institutional approvals, and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration, or nomination stage.