Advanced materials, grid-scale energy storage, and robotics and autonomous systems are to get a total of £85 million R&D funding (£30m, £30m and £25m respectively).
The EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) is to invite capital bids aimed at increasing strength and productivity in these technology areas.
David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, sees the call as building on the Chancellor's announcement of additional funding for British technologies in last autumn's pre-Budget statement.
"The government's investment in the eight great technologies will drive growth and help secure the UK's high-tech future," states Willetts.
"This £85 million capital fund will boost our research capability ... and will keep the UK at the forefront of science and innovation," he adds.
"This call will focus on building capability in areas that are vital for the country and where we are already carrying out exciting research," comments Professor David Delpy, EPSRC chief executive.
"The work will help develop new ways of storing power, new materials that can aid manufacturing and other industries, and further develop how autonomous systems communicate, learn and work with humans," he adds.
