PACE 2025 Antibacterial Therapeutics

About this program

PACE, supported by Innovate UK Business Connect, offers up to £6 million for up to eight projects developing novel, early-stage antibacterial therapeutics, with awards of up to £1 million per project for projects lasting up to two years. Funding targets Hit-to-Lead and Lead Optimisation programmes addressing drug-resistant Gram-negative infections, particularly lower respiratory tract, bloodstream and complicated urinary tract infections. Academic researchers and SMEs worldwide may apply, individually or in consortia, with no UK-based partner required; each application must have a single lead applicant. Projects must demonstrate innovative approaches against priority pathogens and exclude target identification, late-stage preclinical or clinical research, vaccines, and treatments focused on out-of-scope pathogens or indications.