Translation Accelerator Kidney Award Scheme (UK)

The Translation Accelerator Kidney Award Scheme (TAKA) is an expression of interest (EOI) opportunity from Kidney Research UK that provides translational funding to help move kidney disease research closer to the clinic. It supports short, patient and clinic-focused projects in either therapeutics or MedTech. The EOI opens on 2 September 2026 and closes on 19 October 2026. Kidney Research UK notes a funding gap between early-stage research (for example, at universities and NHS groups) and translating ideas into products or treatments that can reach everyday healthcare. TAKA aims to fund short, discrete, patient and clinic-focused projects that address a specific challenge or question tied to an innovation. The scheme is intended to support translational development by helping researchers answer key scientific and technical questions and create a clearly defined pathway to new therapies, devices, and diagnostics, reducing risk for potential partners. TAKA offers translational grant funding across two levels: The source does not specify additional non-financial benefits. Not specified in the source. Kidney Research UK welcomes applications from:

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TAKA supports translational projects in two parallel workstreams: An intervention intended to prevent, treat, cure, or modify the course of kidney disease through a direct biological, pharmacological, or physiological effect. Technologies, devices, or tools intended to be used for diagnosis, monitoring, prevention, or delivery of care for kidney disease, which do not achieve their primary intended action by pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic means. The scheme indicates interest in innovative ideas across: that could benefit kidney patients. If you have promising kidney-related research that is still early and needs translational development, TAKA is designed to fund work that addresses specific unanswered questions. By targeting short, clinic- and patient-focused projects with an explicit translational impact, the scheme aims to help create a clearer path toward therapies, devices, and diagnostics. Kidney Research UK states that the process is assessed in two stages. Official application page / opportunity page: Translation Accelerator Kidney Award Scheme (TAKA) – Kidney Research UK The source provided does not include a direct link to the EOI form or a document list for the full application. Readers should use the official guidance within the Kidney Research UK Grant Management system. Note: The source excerpt provided does not list detailed scoring criteria or weighting beyond referencing “defined criteria including, but not limited to” innovation/novelty and unmet medical need. Not all selection details are visible in the supplied text. What is the Translation Accelerator Kidney Award Scheme (TAKA)? TAKA is a Kidney Research UK translational funding programme delivered through a two-stage process (EOI, then full application for shortlisted applicants) to accelerate translation of kidney research into new solutions. How much funding is available under TAKA? There are two funding levels: Level 1 awards provide up to £79,999, and Level 2 awards provide between £80,000 and £125,000. Awards cover 100% of eligible costs per project. How long can funded projects last? The scheme support is for a maximum duration of 15 months. When does the application process open and close? When do shortlisted applicants submit the full application? Shortlisted applicants will be notified by end November 2026, and the full application will close on 13 January 2027. Who can apply for TAKA? Kidney Research UK welcomes applications from researchers in UK-based higher education institutions, NHS clinicians and clinical researchers, and allied healthcare professionals. What types of projects are supported? Projects must fit either the Therapeutics or MedTech workstream, supporting innovations that could benefit kidney patients (including therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, and health tech). Review the official TAKA opportunity details on Kidney Research UK’s website, confirm which workstream (Therapeutics or MedTech) best matches your project, and prepare your Stage 1 expression of interest for submission before the 19 October 2026 closing date. If shortlisted, ensure your plan aligns with the Stage 2 full application deadline of 13 January 2027.