Open Call: Digital Twin Academic R/D Accelerator 2.0 (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 20-Oct-26

The Digital Twin Academic R&D Accelerator 2.0 provides funding and support for UK-based academic researchers and research organisations developing practical solutions to interoperability and social innovation challenges in Digital Twin technologies. Delivered through the UK Digital Twin Centre, the 11-month programme aims to translate academic research into practical outputs that can support real-world adoption of Digital Twin technologies. The programme brings together academic researchers, research and technology organisations, and industry partners to address challenges affecting the development and use of Digital Twins.

About the Digital Twin Academic R&D Accelerator 2.0

Digital Twins are increasingly being used as transformative tools for designing, operating, and managing complex systems. They have particular potential across sectors such as: - Maritime. - Aerospace. - Defence. However, wider adoption of Digital Twin technologies continues to face challenges related to interoperability, data sharing, security, and trust. There is also a growing need to understand and address the broader societal implications of Digital Twin technologies. The Digital Twin Academic R&D Accelerator 2.0 seeks to address these challenges by helping researchers turn academic knowledge into practical, reusable solutions. What Does the Programme Aim to Achieve? The programme is designed to accelerate the transition from academic research to practical Digital Twin applications. Participants are expected to develop outputs that can contribute to real-world adoption and strengthen the wider UK Digital Twin ecosystem.

Potential outputs include:

- Demonstrators. - Reference architectures. - Open-source components. - Participatory frameworks. - Proof-of-concept solutions. - Other reusable technical or research assets. The Two Industry-Defined Challenges Applicants must focus on one of two industry-defined challenges. Complex Live Digital Twin Interoperability This challenge focuses on improving the ability of different Digital Twins to connect and work together across technical, organisational, and sector boundaries. Applicants may explore new methods, technologies, or architectures that enable Digital Twins to exchange and use information effectively.

Projects may address issues related to:

- Interoperability. - Data sharing. - Technical integration. - Organisational boundaries. - Cross-sector collaboration. - Security. - Trust. The goal is to develop practical approaches that can help create more connected and effective Digital Twin ecosystems. Digital Twins for Social Innovation The second challenge explores how Digital Twin technologies can be used to support social innovation and create public value. Applicants may investigate how Digital Twins can contribute to: - Community engagement. - Social innovation. - Public value creation. - Participatory approaches. - Broader societal outcomes. Projects should consider how Digital Twin technologies can be developed and applied in ways that address social needs and involve relevant communities and stakeholders. How Much Funding Is Available? Successful applicants can receive up to £225,000 in funding. The funding can support activities such as: - Feasibility studies. - Methodology development. - Proof-of-concept solutions. - Research and development activities. - Development of practical demonstrators. - Creation of reusable Digital Twin assets. Projects should focus their resources on addressing one of the two specified programme challenges and producing practical, demonstrable outputs. Programme Duration The Digital Twin Academic R&D Accelerator 2.0 is an 11-month programme. The programme is designed to provide researchers with a structured opportunity to develop their research into practical solutions within this period. Applicants should therefore demonstrate that their proposed activities and outputs can be delivered within the programme timeframe. Support and Collaboration Opportunities In addition to funding, successful participants will benefit from access to resources and expertise within the UK Digital Twin ecosystem.

Support includes:

- Access to the UK Digital Twin Centre in Belfast. - Support from Digital Catapult’s technology experts. - Opportunities to collaborate with industry partners. - Engagement with research and technology organisations. - Opportunities to develop practical applications of academic research. These resources are intended to help participants move beyond theoretical research and develop solutions with real-world potential. Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is limited to UK-based universities and research and technology organisations

Applicants should demonstrate:

- Research excellence. - Relevant technical capability. - Capacity to undertake the proposed research and development activities. - Ability to deliver practical and demonstrable outputs. - Alignment with one of the programme’s two focus areas. UK-Based Project Requirement Projects must be executed within the UK, including Northern Ireland. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed research and development activities can be carried out within the UK and comply with the programme’s geographic requirements. What Makes a Strong Project? Successful projects should combine strong academic research with a clear pathway toward practical application. Applicants should demonstrate how their project will: - Address one of the two industry-defined challenges. - Build on relevant research expertise. - Develop a practical solution. - Produce demonstrable outputs. - Create reusable assets where appropriate. - Contribute to the wider UK Digital Twin ecosystem. - Support potential real-world adoption. The programme is particularly focused on translating research into solutions that can be demonstrated and potentially reused by others. Why Digital Twin Interoperability Matters Digital Twins can provide valuable digital representations of physical systems, but th