Scope
Reference
UOE/2025/088/SD
Description
The University of Exeter is initiating this Early Market Engagement (EME) to inform the development of its Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI), a transformative programme that will underpin the University's future research and innovation capability. This engagement seeks to: Understand the current market landscape, emerging technologies, and service models relevant to Research Computing, HPC, AI, data storage, and research data management. Explore innovative partnership and delivery models to help realise Exeter's long-term digital research vision. Identify opportunities to enhance sustainability, energy efficiency, security, and interoperability across digital research systems. Gather insights to inform technical specifications, procurement strategy, and the DRI roadmap ahead of formal tender activity in 2026.
Total value (estimated)
- £8,300,000 excluding VAT
- £10,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2026 to 1 August 2031
- 5 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
Additional procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 30211100 - Super computer
- 30210000 - Data-processing machines (hardware)
- 72317000 - Data storage services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- UKK - South West (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
16 January 2026
Engagement process description
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 May 2026
Contracting authority
University of Exeter
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZYG-2396-XCRZ
Northcote House
Exeter
EX4 4QH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Simon Denton
Telephone: +44 1392661000
Email: s.denton@exeter.ac.uk
Website: https://www.exeter.ac.uk
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government