ARIACloses in 16 daysIncluded in GrantPartner*Robot Dexterity: Standards and Benchmarks for Dexterous Robotics
Broad consortia encouraged: developers, manufacturers, research groups, end users, test facilities, standards organisations, including overseas partners. Prior ARIA funding not required.
- Funding
- £1m+
- Up to £3m per project for up to two years (focused-subset proposals proportionally less). Source: RFP https://www.aria.org.uk/media/b1llj3r2/rfp-standards-and-benchmarks-for-dexterous-robotics.pdf
- Closes
- 1 December 2026
- Applicants
- Collaborative
- Single and collaborative applications are supported. Specific lead applicant eligibility requirements are not stated in the listing, so applicants should confirm them in the official brief.
What this competition funds
- R&D projects focused on standards and benchmarks for dexterous robotics.
- Projects addressing the standards and benchmarks scope can receive up to £3m per project for up to two years.
- Proposals addressing a focused subset of the scope can seek proportionally less funding.
Who can apply?
- Lead applicant
- Single and collaborative applications are supported. Specific lead applicant eligibility requirements are not stated in the listing, so applicants should confirm them in the official brief.
- Partners and collaborators
- Broad consortia are encouraged, including developers, manufacturers, research groups, end users, test facilities and standards organisations. Overseas partners are included.
- Worth checking
- Prior ARIA funding is not required. Applicants should confirm organisation-specific eligibility and eligible costs in the official brief.
What assessors look for
01
Need and challenge
Explain the gap in dexterous robotics standards or benchmarks that your project addresses. Use evidence from relevant developers, manufacturers or end users to demonstrate why it matters.
02
Innovation and relevance
Show how your proposed standards or benchmarks improve on existing approaches. Make clear whether you address the broader scope or a focused subset, and confirm alignment with the official brief.
03
Impact and value for money
Explain who would use the outputs and how they would benefit dexterous robotics development. Justify the requested budget against the proposed scope, particularly for a focused-subset proposal.
04
Delivery and team
Set out responsibilities, deliverables and the expertise needed to complete the work within the proposed duration. For a consortium, explain how the different participants contribute to credible standards and benchmarks.
Where applications usually lose marks
- Describing general robotics R&D without a clear connection to dexterous robotics standards and benchmarks.
- Requesting the maximum award for a focused subset without demonstrating proportionate scope and costs.
- Listing consortium members without explaining their responsibilities or how their expertise supports delivery.
How GrantUp can help
Our specialist bid writers build the scoring case, budget and narrative with you, with an over 82% success rate per engagement and over £190m secured for clients. Grant funding engagements have a minimum upfront setup fee starting from £1,750, plus a success fee payable on award. The scope and success fee are agreed before work starts. We do not take equity.
This competition is also covered by GrantPartner. GrantPartner is a paid six month grant programme with the cost spread in monthly payments, a rolling portfolio of bids and a success fee on award. If no funding is awarded during the programme, we extend it.
Discuss this grantFrequently asked questions
How much funding is available?
ARIA offers up to £3m per project for up to two years, with proportionally less for focused-subset proposals. The listing states that ARIA funds 100% of eligible project costs. Confirm eligible costs and funding terms in the official brief.
Who is eligible to apply?
The listing supports single and collaborative applications and identifies an international scope. Prior ARIA funding is not required. It does not specify detailed lead applicant rules, so applicants should confirm their organisation's eligibility in the official brief.
Do applicants need a consortium?
Single applications are supported, but broad consortia are encouraged. Relevant participants include developers, manufacturers, research groups, end users, test facilities and standards organisations, including overseas partners. Confirm any specific collaboration requirements and partner eligibility in the official brief.
How do I apply?
Start with ARIA's official request for proposal for standards and benchmarks for dexterous robotics. Use it to confirm the submission route, required documents, assessment criteria and eligible costs. Explain your proposed scope, delivery responsibilities and budget, including whether you are addressing a focused subset.
Programme at a glance
- Funding
- £1m+
- Funder
- ARIA
- Region
- International
- Partners required
- Yes
- Next deadline
- 1 December 2026
Why GrantUp
- Over 82% success rate per engagement
- Over £190m secured for clients
- Specialist technical bid writers
Considering Robot Dexterity: Standards and Benchmarks for Dexterous Robotics?
Talk through your project with a specialist and find out whether this is the right competition before you invest time in an application.