SAIC Funding Call 2026

SAIC has opened a new funding call to support collaborative R&D and innovation projects addressing key challenges and opportunities across Scotland's aquaculture sector.

This call is design to support projects that contribute to the sustainable development, productivity, resilience and international competitiveness of Scottish aquaculture.

SAIC's funding is designed to help address innovation risk and market barriers while encouraging strong industry investment. Supported projects are expected to deliver tangible benefits for Scotland's aquaculture sector and contribute to long-term economic, environmental and social outcomes.

SAIC priorities

SAIC is seeking ambitious collaborative projects aligned with its strategic priorities, including:

• Finfish health and welfare
• Shellfish production
• Seaweed and emerging species
• Environmental sustainability
• Sector and production capacity

Projects focused on climate resilience, the transition to net zero, and enabling technologies may also be supported where there is a clear application to aquaculture and evidence of sector demand.

Application documents

Download the Funding Call Guidance Notes

Download the Funding Call Application Form

Download the Funding Call Finance Form

Collaboration is key

Applications must involve at least two partners and can be led by either industry or academia. Eligible lead organisations must have an operational based in Scotland, although partners from outside Scotland may participate where they bring specialist expertise.

Technology Readiness Levels

To ensure projects are focused on practical challenges, SAIC is looking to support innovation activities progressing between Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4-7. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how their project will advance technologies, products, processes or services towards commercial adoption and sector impact.

Open call

The call is open to a wide range of organisations including universities, research institutes, public sector organisations, private businesses and non-profits. Please note that this is an open call - applicants do not need to have taken part in in SAIC’s earlier Expression of Interest call to apply.

Key dates

Call opens: 24 August 2026
Call closes: 1 October 2026, 23:59
Awards announced: w/c 7 December 2026
Projects to start by: 15 January 2027

Apply