CyberFocus Funding Round 1
Now Open – CyberFocus Innovation Funding
Deadline: 17:00 1st August 2025
CyberFocus is pleased to launch its opening funding call through the EPSRC Place Based Impact Acceleration Account. This call is open to academic researchers from our seven partner universities who are working with external partners in the North West cyber ecosystem.
We are inviting proposals that translate cyber security research into real-world impact, with a focus on collaboration, civic benefit, and alignment to regional strategies. Projects should help develop partnerships, strengthen public engagement or inform policy development.
Who Can Apply
- Researchers employed at one of the CyberFocus partner institutions for the duration of the project.
- Applicants must collaborate with an external, non-HEI partner. The partner should be based in the North West, or demonstrate clear regional impact.
- Projects must align to EPSRC research areas and to the CyberFocus themes (see below).
All applicants must complete HEECA Export Controls training prior to funding.
Available Funding Streams
You can apply under one of the following categories:
|
Stream |
Funding Range |
Duration |
Purpose |
|
Seed |
£10–30k |
3–6 months |
Test new partnerships and scope collaborative potential |
|
Growth |
£20–40k |
6–12 months |
Deepen partnerships with clearer impact pathways |
|
Accelerator |
£40k+ |
12+ months |
Mature partnerships driving impact – requires 1:1 cash match |
|
Public Engagement |
£10–30k |
3–6 months |
Support engagement between cyber research and wider society |
|
Policy Impact |
£10–30k |
3–6 months |
Advance policy aligned to regional or national cyber strategies |
CyberFocus Themes
Projects must align with at least one of the following:
- Elevated Cyber Supply Chain Trust & Confidence
- Growth in Sustainable Cyber & Innovation Expertise
- Enhanced Cross Cluster Coordination & Interconnections
You should also demonstrate alignment to one of the thematic areas outlined in the CyBOK framework.
Regional & Civic Alignment
Projects should demonstrate relevance to at least one regional strategy:
- Greater Manchester Strategy (2021–2031)
- Liverpool City Region Plan for Prosperity
- Lancashire Innovation Plan (2023–2028)
- Cumbria Economic Strategy (2025–2045)
Further details on these strategies are provided in the application guidance notes.
How to Apply
- The CyberFocus Funding application form is available online, with an offline copy also available.
- You must include confirmation of:
- Head of Department or equivalent approval
- Institutional ethics clearance
- Completion of HEECA training
- Applications will be reviewed by the CyberFocus Evaluation Panel, including civic and academic representatives.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your proposal or eligibility, contact the CyberFocus team at:
cyberfocus@lancaster.ac.uk