Nuclear waste signs on fence urging cautionThis is a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Organisations can apply for a share of £3.9 million, including VAT, to develop an autonomous, integrated toolkit to sort and segregate nuclear waste. The aim is to reduce the level of waste requiring disposal, thereby increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving safety.

Eligible projects will reduce waste by prioritising its recycling over its disposal, as well as reduce the number of waste sorting and segregation processes carried out by humans. Additionally, all projects should increase productivity and be scalable and transferable.

Applications must address all of the following:

  • detect the type and intensity of the radioactivity present using existing technology or off-the-shelf equipment
  • determine the composition, size, shape, and surface area of the material
  • sort and segregate the waste by radioactive classification and material type
  • remotely move the waste from a specific area, process it and then pack it into the appropriate container (for example, skips, drums, boxes or bags) ensuring the space used is optimised
  • collect and analyse data and images, and retain accurate records

This is Phase 1 of a 2-phase competition:

Phase 1: Research and Development contracts, feasibility study (this competition)
  • Up to £600,000, including VAT, is available for Phase 1.
  • Projects will last up to 3 months.
  • You must produce a technical feasibility study for an innovative and integrative solution to the problem.
Phase 2: Research and Development contracts, prototype development and testing
  • Only successful applicants from phase 1 will be able to take part in phase 2.
  • Up to £900,000, including VAT, will be allocated for each contract for up to 15 months.
  • You must develop and demonstrate a full-scale prototype in a non-radioactive environment.

This competition runs from 17th August – 11th November. For more information, please visit Innovate UK. If you think that you may be eligible for funding, contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

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