UKAEA Fusion Industry Programme
UKAEA's challenge program that funded UK companies to develop fusion technologies; it closes in 2026.
Overview
The Fusion Industry Programme is a UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) program that stimulates UK industry capacity for fusion through challenge-based contracts. It funds companies and universities to develop technologies needed for future fusion power plants.
In February 2026 UKAEA awarded GBP 8.1 million to 14 organizations: 13 contracts worth GBP 3 million to 11 organizations (mostly companies, one university) for feasibility studies on sustainable shielding materials, and GBP 5 million to three organizations to scale up hydrogen-isotope production and handling technologies first funded in 2023.
UKAEA states that the Fusion Industry Programme will close in 2026 after completing delivery of its current challenge projects. Lyndsey Mooring is Head of the programme.
Who it is for
UK organizations (companies and universities) responding to specific UKAEA technical challenges. Eligibility was set per competition.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for UKAEA Fusion Industry ProgrammeAdmissions and application
Contracts were awarded through competitive challenge calls. No new calls are expected, since the programme closes in 2026.
Benefits
- Funded contracts to develop fusion technology.
- Technical collaboration with UKAEA.
- A route into the UK fusion supply chain.
Timeline
- 2023: fuel-cycle projects initiated.
- February 2, 2026: GBP 8.1M awards announced.
- 2026: programme closes after current projects.
What came of it
GBP 8.1M awarded to 14 organizations in 2026 for shielding and fusion fuel technologies.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Funded R&D contracts (for example GBP 3 million across 13 shielding feasibility contracts and GBP 5 million across three fuel-cycle scale-up contracts in 2026).
Questions about this program
What is the UKAEA Fusion Industry Programme?
A UKAEA program that funds UK organizations through technical challenge contracts to build fusion industry capacity.
Is it still running?
It is delivering current projects and UKAEA says it will close in 2026.
What did it fund in 2026?
GBP 8.1 million to 14 organizations for shielding feasibility studies and fusion fuel-cycle scale-up.
Can I apply now?
No new calls are expected.
Who was eligible?
UK companies and universities, per competition.
What kinds of technology?
Shielding materials and hydrogen-isotope production and handling, among other fusion challenges.
Who leads it?
Lyndsey Mooring, Head of the Fusion Industry Programme at UKAEA.
Where can I find other UKAEA opportunities?
UKAEA's website lists its current programs and news.
About UK Atomic Energy Authority
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Government Agency
UKAEA is the UK national fusion research body, operating the Culham Campus and fusion technology facilities.
Other programs by UK Atomic Energy Authority
ProgramUK Atomic Energy Authority
IRIS (International, Research, Investment & Skills) is a UKAEA package within Fusion Futures. It brings together activities for international fusion collaboration, research, investment, and skills growth. Its named components include FOSTER
TrainingUK Atomic Energy Authority
An early-career apprenticeship scheme covering engineering, science, and business or professional support.
Lists that include this program
List
3 programs
Moonshot R&D Program Goal 10: Fusion EnergyJapan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
ARPA-H HEARING (Hearing Enhancement through Artificially Intelligent Neurotechnology)Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health
List
7 programs
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars (Brain, Mind & Consciousness)CIFAR- Moonshot R&D Program Goal 10: Fusion EnergyJapan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- ARPA-H HEARING (Hearing Enhancement through Artificially Intelligent Neurotechnology)Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health
From public sources
What the sources say about UKAEA Fusion Industry Programme
UKAEA says it launched FIP in 2021 to grow the UK fusion ecosystem and prepare it for the future fusion power plant market.
Source: New Fusion Industry Programme challenge is announcedThe February 2026 package included £3 million for shielding feasibility work and £5 million for hydrogen-isotope technology scale-up.
Source: UKAEA commits GBP 8m to UK firms for shielding and fusion fuel tech (Feb 2, 2026)In February 2026, UKAEA announced £8.1 million in FIP contracts for 14 organizations working on shielding and fusion fuel technologies.
Source: UKAEA commits GBP 8m to UK firms for shielding and fusion fuel tech (Feb 2, 2026)
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