The 2026 Digital Science Catalyst Grant supports early-stage tools, agents and platforms for trustworthy agentic AI in research. Digital Science is seeking multi-step systems embedded in real research workflows, with provenance, governance and accountability built in.
Individuals, students, research teams, founders and early-stage startups may apply from anywhere. A concept, prototype or working product is eligible; applicants do not need revenue, a finished build or a complete business plan.
Benefits & funding
- Up to £25,000 in equity-free grant funding; the total award may be split among more than one recipient.
- Winners can receive practical advice, introductions to relevant experts and feedback that helps sharpen the idea.
Eligibility
- Open globally to individuals, students, founders, research teams and early-stage startups.
- The entry may be a well-formed concept, prototype or working product; revenue and a finished build are not required.
- The proposed agent must plan, execute and review a multi-step workflow rather than answer a single prompt.
- The workflow should address writing, discovery, evidence synthesis, peer review, funding decisions or research integrity and should include audit trails, governance controls and provenance.
Can you apply?
Check who can apply
No nationality, residency, education, experience, gender or age limit is listed. The other conditions are under Eligibility.
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Check that the idea solves a real problem in the named research lifecycle areas and genuinely requires a multi-step agentic workflow.
- 2Prepare a proposal of no more than 1,500 words using the nine prescribed headings: problem, workflow, trust and governance, team, current stage, alternatives, future direction, Digital Science fit and budget.
- 3Add links to any existing work and include a demo or prototype where available.
- 4Submit the short online form by 5 October 2026 at 17:00 BST.
- 5If shortlisted, attend a short interview and give a live demo where applicable.
Program timeline
Applications open
1 September 2026
Application deadline
5 October 2026, 17:00 BST
Judging
12 October–20 November 2026
Winners announced
Week commencing 30 November 2026