Eligibility note: This grant is only for master’s students, PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers at Imperial College London. Applicants in Africa can’t apply unless they’re enrolled or working at Imperial. If you’re looking for AI funding and training you can apply for from Africa, see the related opportunities at the end.
The I-X Women in AI Network (IX-WAI) at Imperial College London offers Early Career Development Grants of up to £1,000 to women and non-binary people who work in artificial intelligence or want to move into it. The grants pay for conferences, workshops, training and other professional development. Round 7 is open now and closes on 4 January 2027.
At a Glance
| Funder | I-X Women in AI Network (IX-WAI), Imperial College London |
| Grant | Up to £1,000 |
| Who can apply | Women and non-binary master’s students, PhD candidates and postdocs at Imperial College London |
| Round | Round 7: opened 2 November 2026 |
| Deadline | 4 January 2027, 23:45 UK time |
| Interviews | Last week of January 2027 (online) |
Benefits
- Up to £1,000 towards registration fees and travel
- Covers conferences, workshops, tutorials and training where you can present research, build your network or learn new AI skills
- Recognition from a network that supports women in AI at all career stages
The activity must take place at least two months after the deadline, and the grant can’t be used for costs you’ve already paid.
Eligibility
- You’re a woman or non-binary person at master’s, PhD or postdoctoral level at Imperial College London.
- You work in AI or want to learn about it.
- You haven’t received this grant before.
Selection Criteria
- The activity has AI at its core, including AI applied to science and related fields.
- It will make a real difference to your academic, research or professional development.
- You clearly identify the skills you’ll gain.
- You explain why this is the right time in your career, and whether other funding is available.
- You show how you’ll share what you learn, in line with the network’s vision.
How to Apply
- Complete the short online pre-selection form with a fully justified budget (up to £1,000) and the purpose and expected impact of the activity.
- Submit by 23:45 UK time on 4 January 2027.
- Shortlisted applicants give a 15-minute online interview in the last week of January: a 5-minute presentation and 10 minutes of questions.
- After the activity, recipients send proof of attendance and a short feedback paragraph.
Official page: IX-WAI Early Career Development Grant (Imperial College London)
