More than 100 UK research businesses can now support researchers coming to the UK on the Global Talent visa through the UKRI endorsed funder pathway, according to a government announcement published in early August 2026.
The government says that, for the first time, exceptional researchers coming to work on funded projects can be supported in their move by UK research-intensive businesses. Until now, the pathway covered higher education, academic and independent research institutes and bodies.
The companies named include AstraZeneca, Jaguar Land Rover, Added Value Solutions (AVS), Denroy Plastics and Ffilm Cymru. The government says the businesses each fall into the eight high-growth sectors identified in its Modern Industrial Strategy. These include advanced manufacturing, digital and technologies, clean energy, life sciences and the creative industries.
The endorsed funder pathway is run by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The government says it has helped more than 12,500 people from more than 130 countries build their research careers in Britain. The latest expansion follows an earlier one in May, which covered the remaining Association for Innovation, Research and Technology Organisations (AIRTO) members, including IBM.
The government says researchers whose expertise is recognised through a research grant can now switch to a new firm or start their own spin-out.
The announcement also refers to related measures:
- In April, the fast-track academic appointments route was simplified. It now covers all roles at approved UK institutions in academic, research or innovation leadership and development, and all PhD-level roles performing research and innovation as a primary function.
- The government is preparing to broaden the Future Technology Research and Innovation (FTRI) scheme. FTRI is a UKRI-run scheme under the Government Authorised Exchange visa route. It enables eligible UK companies working on critical technologies to host international researchers, scientists, interns and technical specialists for research, training and work placements of up to two years. The source gives no date for the expansion.
- The government says the £54 million Global Talent Fund is helping to bring new research group leaders to the UK, and that this has brought 18 leading researchers to the UK so far.
The Global Talent visa has four endorsement pathways for academics and researchers: Academic Appointments, Individual Fellowships, Endorsed Funders and Peer Review. The first three are fast-track.
What this means for applicants
Researchers working on a funded project at one of the newly approved businesses can now be supported through the endorsed funder pathway. The list of approved host research organisations, which includes the new businesses, and the eligibility criteria are published on GOV.UK. Research-intensive organisations that want to support Global Talent applicants can register their interest through a UKRI form.