Join Innovate UK as an Expert Assessor in Advanced Connectivity Technologies

Help shape the future of innovation in the UK

We are currently seeking experts in Advanced Connectivity Technologies (more commonly known as Future telecoms) to become Innovate UK Assessors. If you have applied, lived or professional expertise in this field, we encourage you to apply now. If you have expertise in a different sector you are still welcome to apply, and we will contact you when we have a suitable opportunity for your expertise.

Are you an expert in Advanced Connectivity Technologies?

Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) was previously referred to as Future Telecoms, and includes: Advanced Wireless Systems (5G/6G), Non-Terrestrial Networks (Space), Advanced Optical Networks (Quantum, Sensing & Photonics), AI integration, Resilience, Defence and Security. Find out more about the sectors included and eligibility in the FAQs below.

If you have expertise in a different sector, you are still welcome to apply, and we will contact you when we have a suitable opportunity for your expertise.

Innovate UK is committed to embedding representation and inclusion into all areas of our work. We need our Assessor community to reflect the rich diversity of talent and experience in the UK because this is essential for making the best decisions, investing in the strongest innovations, and delivering the fairest outcomes. We actively welcome applications from individuals across all communities and from a wide range of different backgrounds including those historically underrepresented in science, technology, and innovation.

Emily Nott, Head of Inclusive Innovation, Innovate UK

Why become an Expert Assessor?

As an Expert Assessor, you will be responsible for reviewing funding applications, providing impartial and constructive evaluations that help shape the future of innovative projects across the UK.

• Make an impact: Your insights will help inform funding & investment decisions taken by Innovate UK, directly influencing innovation and economic growth for the UK.
• Diverse expertise welcomed: Join a broad community of professionals from business, academia, clinical practice, social innovation and beyond.
• Flexible commitment: Assessments are allocated per competition, allowing you to contribute on your own schedule.
• Competitive remuneration: You will be paid for the work you complete, this will vary based on each competition and is calculated according to the maximum wordcount and number of pages allocated to applicants. We will ensure your workload is manageable and tailored to your expertise.

How do our assessors assess?

Watch the video for information on who our assessors are and how they assess applications for funding.

It is a great opportunity to stay connected with the base of innovators across the UK which has an amazing strategy of investing very early and I think UKRI and Innovate UK grants provide that bridge towards commercialisation.

MP, current Assessor, expert in healthcare innovation

Who are we looking for at the moment

We are currently conducting the first phase of Assessor recruitment, which is focusing on professionals with industry experience, applied practice or lived expertise relating to Advanced Connectivity Technologies (also known as Future Telecoms). We’ll be expanding to other sectors in later phases, guided by government priorities and aligned with upcoming funding opportunities.

We welcome individuals with:

• Demonstrable experience, through employment, volunteering, or lived experience, in innovation-related fields.
• A track record of success in leading, delivering, or supporting innovative projects or solutions.
• A commitment to fair, transparent and inclusive evaluation.

For more details, see the Expert Assessor role profile. If you have expertise in a different sector you are still welcome to apply, and we will contact you when we have a suitable opportunity for your expertise. If you do not meet every criteria but you’re excited about contributing your perspective, we encourage you to apply.

Steps to becoming an Assessor

1. Step one: If you are interested in being considered as an Assessor, please review the Role Profile, FAQs and submit an application.
2. Step two: Innovate UK will review your application within 4-6 weeks.
3. Step three: You will be informed of the outcome of your application and if successful, invited to sign a contract and onboard.

Please note, once fully onboarded as an Assessor, you may be asked to assess competitions on a sporadic basis. A successful application to the pool does not guarantee assessment work.

Assessors will be required to review and score applications in accordance with the Innovate UK framework, with remuneration at the standard assessment rate.

Accessibility and support

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment and assessment processes are inclusive and accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate, please contact us at: assessor.recruitment@iuk.ukri.org.

I’m generally curious about everything, so its part of my nature to be interested in the predicament of companies, industries, people and things. Assessments stimulate my curiosity, and potentially informs my professional practice.

JNL, current Assessor, expert in the design and development of physical and digital products