Applying for Access¶
Access to Isambard-AI and Isambard 3 are allocated by bodies external to BriCS. Prospective users will need to apply via these routes.
Isambard-AI¶
DSIT/UKRI¶
Most prospective users will apply for access via the AI Research Resource (AIRR). There are two options:
- AIRR Gateway route, offering up to 10,000 GPU hours, designed for researchers from academia, industry, or other UK organisations
- AIRR Rapid Access route, offering up to 20,000 GPU hours, is open to UK-registered micro, small and medium organisations
In both cases, applications are made via AIRRPortal.
These allocation routes are intended as initial projects, which includes activities to port, test and scale workflows.
Sovereign AI Unit¶
From time to time access calls are published. Prospective users are encouraged to monitor the Sovereign AI Unit web page for further information.
University of Bristol¶
Permanent academic staff members at the University of Bristol are eligible to apply for the University of Bristol allocation portal. Applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. Note that allocations via this route will be considerably smaller than the AIRR Gateway route.
Isambard 3¶
UKRI Tier 2¶
The periodic UKRI Tier 2 HPC calls are open to UK research organisation eligible for UKRI funding. These calls are usually released each Spring and Autumn. Past calls provide further information and methods for receiving updates:
- Autumn 2025 call (closes 6th November 2025)
- Spring 2025 call (closed May-2025)
- Autumn 2024 call (closed Nov-2024)
GW4 Alliance¶
Isambard 3 is hosted by the University of Bristol and operated by the GW4 Alliance, and each member institution may apply for access. Each institution manages its own application process and will be advertised internally.
- University of Bristol - via the University of Bristol allocation portal. Applications from permanent academic staff are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis.
Dev/test access¶
Please note that general 'dev/test' access to Isambard-AI or Isambard 3 is not available. This is due to compliance obligations dictated by the bodies that fund the platforms. Please consult the detail of relevant access routes to determine if successful porting and accurate resource estimation is a prerequisite.
External information
Information and links are based on best knowledge at the time of writing, and provided on a best endeavours basis. Prospective users should engage with external entities for authoritative guidance.