Future Proofing Our Climate and Weather – Opportunity Seeds Funding

The UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) has launched an Opportunity Seeds funding call under its Future Proofing Our Climate and Weather opportunity space.

The programme seeks ambitious, high-risk, high-reward research ideas that could transform how society prepares for, adapts to, and responds to climate change and climate-related disruptions.

ARIA is looking for breakthrough concepts that could unlock new scientific capabilities, challenge existing assumptions, and create practical pathways for climate adaptation and resilience. The agency expects to fund approximately 10 Opportunity Seed projects.

Funding Available

• Minimum funding: £10,000
• Maximum funding: £500,000 per project
• Funding covers direct and indirect costs
• VAT may be included where applicable
• Project duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)

Programme Focus

The programme sits within ARIA's broader Future Proofing Our Climate and Weather initiative, which explores how humanity can expand its options for adaptation in a rapidly changing climate.

Key Research Areas of Interest

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)

Novel approaches that accelerate the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Examples may include:

• Advanced carbon capture concepts
• Novel carbon sequestration methods
• Biological or engineered drawdown systems
• Transformative carbon storage technologies

Extreme Weather Forecasting

Breakthrough technologies and methodologies that improve prediction of extreme weather events.

Examples may include:

• Advanced climate modelling
• AI-enabled forecasting systems
• Early warning technologies
• New sensing and monitoring approaches

Novel Climate Intervention Concepts

Research exploring innovative climate adaptation or intervention concepts that fall outside the core scope of ARIA's Exploring Climate Cooling programme.

Examples may include:

• New climate resilience technologies
• Adaptation mechanisms
• Innovative environmental monitoring systems
• Responsible intervention frameworks

What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

ARIA is intentionally open to:

• Curiosity-driven research
• Fundamental scientific research
• Applied research
• Translational research
• Technology development
• Near-commercial scientific innovations

Projects may range from very early-stage concepts through to advanced technical development.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to a broad range of applicants, including:

• Individual researchers
• Independent innovators
• Universities
• Students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Academic staff
• Research institutes
• SMEs
• Large companies
• Charities
• Public sector research organisations

Importantly, ARIA states that applications are welcome from individuals with unconventional backgrounds and those who may not fit traditional funding pathways.

Country Eligibility

Eligible Worldwide

Applications are open internationally.

However, ARIA indicates a strong preference for projects that are:

• Based in the United Kingdom; or
• Conduct the majority of project activities within the UK

For most successful applications:

• More than 50% of project costs and personnel effort should occur in the UK.

International Applicants

Organisations and researchers from any country may apply.

Projects conducted outside the UK may still be funded if:

• The proposal is considered unique or highly compelling; and
• The project demonstrates significant benefits to the United Kingdom.

Countries That Can Participate

There are no country restrictions stated in the call documentation.

What Is Not Eligible?

The following are specifically excluded:

Emissions Reduction Projects

Projects focused primarily on reducing emissions.

Energy Efficiency Projects

Projects focused on improving energy efficiency in:

• Buildings
• Vehicles
• Conventional efficiency systems

Standard Commercial Products

Projects that would likely receive funding from:

• Venture capital
• Traditional grants
• Conventional innovation funding mechanisms

Exploring Climate Cooling Programme Topics

Projects that fall directly within ARIA's separate Exploring Climate Cooling programme are not eligible.

Intellectual Property Requirements

A notable requirement is that all successful applicants must sign ARIA's:

Future Proofing Our Climate and Weather Intellectual Property Pledge

This is intended to maximise public benefit, accessibility, collaboration, and knowledge sharing arising from funded research.

Evaluation Criteria

ARIA will assess applications based on:

Scientific and Technical Importance

Projects should:

• Challenge existing thinking
• Open new scientific pathways
• Demonstrate transformative potential
• Create future capabilities

Team Capability

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of the problem
• Strong motivation
• Relevant expertise
• A credible implementation plan

Need for ARIA Funding

Projects should show that they are:

• Too ambitious
• Too speculative
• Too unconventional

to be funded through traditional funding mechanisms.

Key Dates

Applications Open:
2 June 2026

Application Deadline:
31 July 2026 (14:00 BST)

Proposal Review:
1 August – 23 September 2026

Notification of Results:
24 September 2026

Expected Award Date:
27 October 2026

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