Innovate UK announces funding to remove air pollutants from homes
Organisations can apply for a share of £3 million to develop an innovation that will remove harmful air pollutants from homes. The competition is a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) funded by UKRI’s Strategic Priorities Fund. It is phase 1 of a potential 2-phase competition, with a decision to proceed with phase 2 dependent on the outcomes from this phase. Please note that only successful applicants from phase 1 will be able to apply for funding in phase 2.
The competition aims to safeguard the health of occupants, particularly young or vulnerable people. It tackles a pressing issue, as poor air quality is the top environmental risk to public health in the UK. Research has found that human exposure to these emerging air pollutants occurs increasingly indoors, and particularly at home.
Scope
To address the challenge of poor air quality in domestic environments, this competition will support research and development for affordable domestic products or services. Eligible projects must protect the health of occupants by removing at least one harmful household pollutant from the air.
In this phase, R&D contracts will be awarded to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed solution. Therefore, your proposal must:
- Demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed innovation.
- Develop the plan and lay the foundations to deliver in phase 2.
- Establish collaborations and agreements which will enable testing of the innovation in a real-world setting as part of phase 2.
The focus of phase 2 will be to test and evaluate a prototype of the solution in a real-world environment and develop a plan for commercial exploitation.
Eligibility
Projects can last up to three months; they should start by 1st April 2021 and end by 1st July 2021. To lead a project, you can be an organisation of any size. Innovate UK will only award contracts to single legal entities in this competition; however, you can work with other organisations if there is a justifiable reason to employ subcontractors. A total of up to £300,000 is allocated to phase 1. Innovate UK expects to fund up to 6 projects, with each feasibility study R&D contract worth up to £50,000. If phase 2 goes ahead, up to £900,000 will be allocated for each contract.
This competition opens on 23rd November 2020 and will close on 13th January 2021. For more information, please visit the competition page. To discuss an application with one of our expert advisers, please contact us today.
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Innovate UK Smart Grants: November 2020
Innovate UK has announced that a new round of Smart Grants will open on 26th November, with a deadline of 20th January 2021. £25 million will be available for disruptive R&D innovations that could significantly impact the UK economy.
Scope
Smart is Innovate UK's 'Open grant funding' programme. Applications can come from any area of technology and be applied to any part of the economy. This includes the creative industries, science or engineering, and the arts, design and media. Projects can overlap with the grand challenge areas, although Innovate UK is also keen to support projects in other areas.
Your proposal must demonstrate:
- A clear game-changing, innovative and/or disruptive and ambitious idea leading to new products, processes or services
- An idea that is significantly ahead of others in the field, set for rapid commercialisation
- A strong and deliverable business plan that addresses (and documents) market potential and needs
- A clear, evidence-based plan to deliver significant economic impact, return on investment (ROI) and growth through commercialisation, as soon as possible after project completion
- A team, business arrangement or working structure with the necessary skills and experience to run and complete the project successfully and on time
- Awareness of all the main risks the project will face (including contractor or equipment failure, recruitment delays, etc) with realistic management, mitigation and impact minimisation plans for each risk
- Clear, considerable potential to significantly impact the UK economy and/or productivity in a positive way
- Sound, practical financial plans and timelines that represent good value for money, which will always be a consideration in Innovate UK funding decisions.
Eligibility
Your application must include at least one SME; they can be the lead or a collaborative grant claiming partner. The project must start no later than 1 July 2021 and end no later than 31 July 2024.
Your project must also follow specific rules based on its duration:
- Projects with durations between 6 and 18 months must have total eligible project costs between £25,000 and £500,000. They can be single or collaborative projects.
- Projects with durations between 19 months and 36 months must have total eligible project costs between £25,000 and £2 million. In contrast to shorter projects, they must be collaborative.
RedKnight Consultancy has significant experience in supporting applications for Innovate UK Smart Grants. You can view one of our most recent success stories here. For our assistance in putting together a competitive proposal, please contact us today.
£1.5 million available for projects that explore Digital Security by Design technologies
UK-registered SMEs can apply for a share of £1.5 million for fast-start short-term projects. Funding is available to explore and investigate the requirements, dependencies, and potential complexities associated with the adoption of Digital Security by Design technologies. The competition aims to enable the growth of the software ecosystem that will be crucial for the successful adoption of Digital Security by Design technologies.
Eligibility
Projects must:
- Have total eligible costs between £40,000 and £80,000.
- Last no longer than 6 months.
- Start on or after 1st April 2021 and end by 30th September 2021.
This competition is open to single applicants only, who must be UK registered SMEs. The organisation should also carry out its project work in the UK and intend to exploit the results from or in the UK.
Scope
Innovate UK state that projects must focus on a detailed investigation of a problem framed around a system and software stack concept. Projects can focus on one or more of the following aspects: software frameworks, tooling, development environments, operating systems, language runtimes, libraries and ancillary support, and middleware. However, this not an exhaustive list; other aspects may also be in scope.
In more detail, your project should:
- Describe your use case or cases and related scenarios. Therefore, you must explain how your area of detailed investigation will enable a full software stack approach to increased security
- Show how DSbD technologies will be incorporated into your detailed investigation work
- Frame your solution under investigation in the context of a full software stack. It should describe how your work will address identified technical challenges, requirements, dependencies, and related complexities
- Explain how you will use the available Fixed Virtual Platform (FVP) model to inform your detailed investigation. In contrast, if you choose not to use it, you should explain your rationale and justify your decision
- Explain how DSbD security will enhance your approach to security and how you will confirm if it is a viable way forward
- Identify and describe how you plan to overcome any dependence on other technology, ecosystem, or business requirement.
This competition opens on 30th November, with an online briefing event scheduled to take place on 27th November. All applications must be submitted before 13th January 2021. If you need more information, please visit the Innovate UK competition page. Alternatively, if you’d like to discuss your project with one of our expert advisers, please contact us today.
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Categories of Research and Development: understanding where your project sits within the Innovate UK framework
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, supports innovative ideas and business growth through grant funding competitions. UK-based business and research organisations can apply for funding for research and development purposes, or to test their innovative ideas. Projects typically fall within four main research and development categories, each of which is explored below:
Fundamental Research
Fundamental research is the earliest stage of research and development and is usually undertaken by a research organisation. It involves the use of experimental or theoretical work to gain new knowledge of “underlying phenomena and visible facts.” Fundamental research does not involve any direct practical application or usage.
Feasibility Studies
A feasibility study involves analysis and evaluation of a project’s potential, uncovering its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential threats. Such studies will support the process of decision making. This can help businesses to decide whether to work individually or collaboratively before conducting a subsequent larger project.
Industrial Research
Projects that sit within the industrial research category involve planned research or critical investigation to gain new knowledge and skills. This is useful when the project aims to develop a new product, process or service to improve its existing counterpart. According to Innovate UK, it can include the creation of component parts to complex systems, as well as prototypes in a laboratory or environment with simulated interfaces.
Experimental Development
Experimental development involves the use of existing knowledge and skills in order to develop a new or improved product. Projects in this category should aim to make further technical improvements. To achieve this, projects may involve prototyping, demonstrating, piloting, testing and validation in environments representative of real-life operating conditions.
Within Innovate UK competition summaries, the competition scope specifies the desired category of R&D activity for that funding opportunity. For example, the ISCF Future Plastic Packaging Solutions competition intends to support feasibility studies and industrial research. You can find more information on each of the categories of research and development here, or contact us if you have any further questions.
Innovative medical imaging camera project led by Thermetrix awarded over €578k from Eureka-Eurostars
RedKnight is delighted to have supported South Wales based start-up, Thermetrix Ltd, with a successful application to the Eureka Eurostars programme. Since 2017, Thermetrix have designed and manufactured hardware and software for medical devices in personal healthcare. The company, along with two SME partners, Quantificare (France) and SymblCrowd (Germany), will now receive €578, 684 in grant funding to develop its Multi-Modal Medical Mapper (M4).
Aims
M4 aims to deliver a prototype of a portable camera that integrates 3D scanning, visual and (thermal) infrared imaging modalities. As the user moves the camera along the human body under investigation, it will capture and display the three representational characteristics in a single 3D representation. During the scanning process, graphical overlays will adaptively guide the user. This will minimise the amount of training required and improve the reliability and repeatability of scans.
The project is disruptive in the digital medical devices sector as there are no existing devices capable of performing all functions at the same time. Therefore, this device opens entirely new possibilities for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, in areas including Diabetic Foot Ulcer treatment, medical aesthetics and wound healing. Importantly, M4 addresses a pressing need for more accurate, reliable devices for wound measurement and management of higher practicality. It will also be usable by all healthcare professionals in various settings and at commoditised price points.
Outcomes
Combined, the global Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Wound Care Management and Medical Aesthetics markets are worth $53.77bn. They pose significant socio-economic challenges to both patients and healthcare systems worldwide. With anticipated high reliability and accuracy, M4 could reduce costs by 13%, saving the EU over $1 billion each year. Crucially, M4 could also save patient lives and improve quality of life for many.
Dr Peter Plassmann, Founder and CEO at Thermetrix said of the success,
“It would have been impossible for us to navigate the complex and time-consuming Eurostars application process on our own. The support from RedKnight was crucial for the success in this highly competitive competition. ”
You can read about more of our recent success stories here. If you would like to discuss your own project with one of our expert advisers, please contact us today.
European Innovation Agencies Make Plans to Strengthen Innovation
The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have signed a letter of intent to coordinate efforts and strengthen Europe’s innovation services, pledging to build a “more integrated and inclusive EU innovation ecosystem for the benefit of EU innovators.”
Potential areas of cooperation are currently being tested in three €1 million pilot projects. The innovation agencies will finalise their collaboration in Spring 2021, before rolling it out in 2022.
Context
The EIC and EIT are complementary organisations, working towards the shared goal of translating Europe’s research strengths into jobs and growth. However, they operate in different ways:
- The EIT focuses on the integration of higher education, research, and innovation to address global challenges set in Horizon Europe. It has eight designated Knowledge and Innovation Communities, each of which addresses a specific societal challenge.
- In contrast, the EIC provides financial support for innovators. Its focus is on all areas of disruptive and breakthrough market-creating innovation.
A closer working relationship between the two institutions will enable companies from underperforming countries to secure more funding. As a result, this will help narrow the innovation gap between east and west Europe.
Significance
EU research commissioner, Mariya Gabriel, has labeled the move “a stepping stone in creating the European Innovation Area.” It marks a recognition that European innovation is vital. Innovative ideas key to tackling major societal challenges, including Covid-19 and climate change. They can also help Europe regain its position as a world leader in the field of innovation.
Please note: Negotiations are still ongoing to determine the UK's participation in Horizon Europe, the EU's next funding programme for research and innovation. However, UK scientists, researchers, and businesses can still apply for funding from the European Green Deal, the last and biggest call under Horizon 2020. You can read more about this competition here.
Source: Science|Business
£2 million available for sustainable plastic packaging projects
Innovate UK is investing up to £2 million in early-stage projects through the Future Plastic Packaging Solutions competition. This forms part of the wider Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging (SSPP) Challenge, which aims to deliver cleaner growth across the supply chain and reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment.
Scope
This competition will support feasibility studies and industrial research projects that address widely known problems related to plastic packaging. Innovate UK aims to fund projects with either direct or indirect commercial outcomes for the partners. Additionally, proposals should explain how their innovation addresses one or more of the UK Plastics Pact targets.
Projects must deliver one or more of the following:
- a more circular plastic packaging value chain, with reduced environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions and improved recyclability
- improved understanding of effective communication techniques to increase recycling rates and uptake of re-use/refill business models
- more consistent data and increased knowledge relevant to the supply chain.
You can find more information on in-scope projects, including specific themes, here.
Eligibility
Projects can last up to 18 months, starting by 1st June 2021 and ending by 30th November 2022. To lead a project or work alone, your organisation must be a UK registered business of any size, charity, non-government body or not-for-profit. It must carry out its project work in the UK and intend to exploit its results from or in the UK. If you are planning to work collaboratively, you can find the full eligibility criteria here.
To find out more, visit the ISCF Future Plastic Packaging Solutions competition page. Alternatively, if you'd like to discuss your project with one of our expert advisers, please contact us today.
Are you still looking for the right grant funding opportunity? If so, subscribe to our free monthly newsletter today to receive the latest competitions directly to your inbox.
£5 million available for innovative food production projects
SMEs can apply for a share of £5 million in grant support to transform food production towards net zero. The grant funding is from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. The project must also align with a Series A investment, which you can read more about here.
Scope
In short, you must develop precision technologies and data-driven solutions that make a significant step towards realising net zero food production systems by 2040. Additionally, you must demonstrate how your project meets the overall aims of the ISCF Transforming Food Production Challenge, which are to:
- help food production systems achieve net zero emissions by 2040
- help produce food in ways that are more efficient, resilient and sustainable
- speed up the development and use of integrated precision approaches to improve productivity in agricultural systems.
Funding is only available for experimental development projects. They must focus on one or more of the following themes:
- the development of precision solutions and systems that will make a significant step towards net zero emissions for food production
- improving productivity of the agricultural sector
- stimulating the establishment of novel high value production systems
- developing export opportunities
- Please also note that projects involving equine, amenity horticulture, wild-caught fisheries or non-food crops are ineligible.
Eligibility
Your project must have total eligible costs of between £1 million and £3 million. It should last 18 months, starting by 1st October 2021 and ending by 31st March 2023. To secure grant funding, you must also secure an investment of at least twice the amount of grant through one of the lead investors associated with this programme. However, you can submit your application before speaking to an investor.
This competition is open to single applicants only. To apply your organisation must:
- be a UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
- carry out its project work in the UK and intend to exploit the results from/in the UK
- be prepared to negotiate head of terms for an aligned series A investment.
The ISCF Transforming Food Production Challenge opens on 2nd November and closes on 13th January. To find out more, please visit Innovate UK. Alternatively, you can contact us if you have any further questions.
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UK and Canada biomanufacturing innovations in cell and gene therapies
Innovate UK has partnered with the National Research Council of Canada for a new funding opportunity aimed at UK SMEs. They aim to identify UK partners who will bring innovative solutions to support and collaborate with the NRC Challenge Program in Health and Disruptive Technologies for Cell and Gene Therapy.
This competition aims to support improvements in biomanufacturing for cost-effective gene and cell-based therapies. Your project must develop solutions to address one of the following two areas:
1. Process improvement for adeno-associated virus (AAV) based gene therapy.
In this area, your proposal must:
- Demonstrate economic viability by coupling your proposal to more cost-effective downstream processing options than what is currently available.
- Be based on transient transfection, developing improvement of serum free media or processes to increase AAV upstream yields.
- Develop faster in-line, online, at-line or off-line process analytical assays in order to support process development.
- Develop more cost effective, robust and scalable AAV particle separation methods (preferably chromatography based).
2. Deploy process analytical technologies to perfusion-enabled lentiviral vector manufacturing.
In area 2, you will have access to the perfusion-enabled high yield LV production process developed at NRC. Your proposal must show how you will develop and deploy complementary in-line monitoring technologies for real time process characterisation using:
- Capacitance frequency scanning (Aber Instruments).
- Multi-wavelength fluorometry (NRC technology).
- Raman spectroscopy including analysis algorithms.
Eligibility
Firstly, your project must:
- Start by 1st May 2021.
- Be up to 24 months in duration.
- Have total eligible costs of up to £128,000, of which up to 75% will be funded by this initiative.
To lead a project, your organisation must be either a SME, catapult, charity, or not for profit. Before starting an application, you must also have established a partnership with an appropriate research team at NRC Canada. The Knowledge Transfer Network is holding an information session on the 3rd November where NRC researchers will explain the type of projects they are looking for. This provides a great opportunity to connect with NRC counterparts before applying.
This competition closes on 23rd December 2020. To find out more, please visit Innovate UK. Alternatively, you can contact us with any further enquiries.
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Robotics for a more resilient future
UK registered businesses can apply for a share of £6 million for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence technologies. This funding is from the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. There are two strands running at the same time: feasibility studies and R&D.
The challenge aims to:
- develop robotic solutions to make UK industries more resilient to future disruptions
- increase productivity
- open up new cross-disciplinary opportunities
Scope
Innovate UK is looking for robotic solutions that exploit business opportunities in areas such as healthcare, logistics, agriculture, construction, and robotics that can contribute towards the UK’s net-zero greenhouse gas commitment. More specifically, proposals must:
- Clearly identify the operational needs and the market segments and sizes that the proposed Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI) technology or system will be addressing
- Identify the precise operational scenario or scenarios that the RAI system is expected to operate if successful
- Quantify the system’s performance objectives and targets
- Be based around a service robotics sector
- Articulate what is innovative about the proposed project
- R&D project proposals must explain the technological maturity at the start and end of the project
- Clearly identify how proposed solutions will improve productivity or improve the resilience of the UK’s workforce to future disruptions to economic activity, supply chains and productivity
- Demonstrate what market needs are being addressed
- Clearly demonstrate understanding of the market and provide a commercialisation plan for the solution developed
Eligibility
Feasibility studies must:
- Have total eligible costs between £25,000 and £100,000
- Start on or after the 1st April 2021 and then end by 31st March 2022
- Last between 3 and 12 months
In addition, single applicants for feasibility studies must be a UK-registered SME.
R&D Projects must:
- Have total eligible costs between £75,000 and £500,000
- Start on or after 1st April 2021 and then end by 31st March 2022
- Last between 6 and 12 months
To lead a R&D project, your organisation must be a UK-registered business and work in collaboration. If you are a large business, it is essential that you also involve an SME.
This competition closes on 20th November 2020. If you’re applying to the R&D strand and require a collaborative partner, read more about our partner search service here. Alternatively, please feel free to contact us with any further enquiries.
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