ACTASAP (Advanced Connectivity Technologies Academic Start‑up Accelerator Programme) Round 1 is a pilot, with a view to establishing a regular programme for Advanced Connectivity Technologies in future years. The programme supports UK academics who are interested in commercialising their ideas with each cohort running for approximately eleven months.
ACTASAP Pathfinder offers a fusion of virtual and in-person learning experiences over four days (two half days online & a two-day in-person bootcamp), thoughtfully tailored to support and encourage academic sector-specific commercialisation.
Designed to act as a solid stepping stone for researchers to then move through to ACTASAP.
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You must be currently affiliated to a UK University and have an idea relating to Advanced Connectivity Technologies to take part in Pathfinder. We reserve the right to limit the number of participants and to apply a portfolio approach, ensuring a balanced and high quality cohort aligned with programme objectives.
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ACTASAP Pathfinder is intended to encourage applications to the full ACTASAP programme, however participation in this Pathfinder event does not guarantee entry into the ACTASAP programme, nor does it confer any preferential status in future ACT funding opportunities. All subsequent phases of the ACT programme will be subject to their own eligibility, assessment criteria and competitive processes.
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This event is part of the Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) R&D Programme, announced in the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan under the UK’s Industrial Strategy. DSIT’s ambition is for more advanced connectivity technologies developed in the UK to be used in networks around the world. It also aims grow a strong UK ACT ecosystem of UK and international companies that attract private investment.
The ACT R&D Programme is a key part of delivering this ambition. Delivered by UKRI it will use a range of interventions. ACTASAP will be one of the interventions within the wider programme which aims to provide early‑stage, pre‑commercial support to help researchers and innovators progress Advanced Connectivity Technologies ideas towards commercial viability. Building on the successful Cyber ASAP model, the programme will offer specialist expertise, training and guidance to help applicants develop their research into market‑ready technologies, products or services.
This Pathfinder event serves as the initial introduction to the ACTASAP programme. It helps prospective participants understand the aims, structure and expectations of the programme, while giving them early insight into the skills, mindset and commercial understanding needed to translate research into real‑world solutions. Similar to CyberASAP’s Pathfinder, this session will help teams assess the commercial potential of their ideas, refine their value proposition and determine whether ACTASAP is the right pathway for their project.
This event is funded by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered via Innovate UK. Advanced Connectivity Technologies (ACT) are defined by DSIT as “emerging and advanced technologies that enable the transmission of data via communications networks and network infrastructure in an increasingly digitised economy and society, connecting both people and things. These include technologies that make up advanced wireless systems, such as 5G and the transition to 6G, non-terrestrial networks, and advanced optical networks.”
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Please note these dates are tentative and will be confirmed shortly.
- 12 May 2026 (morning): preliminary half-day online workshop
- 19 to 21 May 2026: in-person two day bootcamp – location TBC
- 27 May 2026 (afternoon): concluding half-day online workshop
There is no charge to participate in this Pathfinder if your application is successful, but you must attend the two half-day online workshops plus the two-day in-person bootcamp.
For the two-day bootcamp, meals, refreshments and two night’s accommodation will be included, but if you are selected to attend, please note you are responsible for funding and arranging your travel to/from the venue.
The closing date for applications is 29 April 2026.