Mindset extended reality (XR): Digital therapeutics for mental health
Innovate UK has announced a funding opportunity aimed at developing digital therapeutics using extended reality (XR) for mental health. The competition, opening on 28th October 2024, will invest up to £3.7 million in R&D projects that offer innovative mental healthcare solutions. Eligible projects should have costs between £200,000 and £300,000 and last 12 to 18 months. XR solutions should focus on addressing moderate to severe mental health conditions and aim for large-scale adoption within the UK's healthcare system. The deadline for applications is 15th January 2025.
Addressing Mental Health with Extended Reality
Mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges. The rise in anxiety, depression, and other conditions has spurred the demand for effective mental health treatments that can be scaled and made widely accessible. This funding opportunity encourages the development of XR solutions aimed at treating moderate to severe mental health conditions. XR technologies include virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), all of which have been used in therapeutic settings for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
By combining these immersive technologies with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, XR solutions can offer patients an engaging and personalised experience. Unlike traditional talk therapies, XR can simulate environments that help patients confront and manage their symptoms in real-time. For instance, VR has been used to treat phobias by gradually exposing individuals to their fears in a controlled and safe environment. Similarly, AR can help users visualise coping strategies or engage with therapeutic content in their daily surroundings.
The Scope of the Competition
The competition invites proposals that will create new, innovative XR-based digital therapeutics. Projects must focus on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other moderate to severe conditions. These solutions should not just focus on short-term relief but also demonstrate a potential for long-term, sustainable impact on the UK’s healthcare system.
Innovate UK emphasises the need for solutions that can be integrated into existing healthcare frameworks, allowing for broad scalability and accessibility. This means that proposed XR therapeutics should be designed with the intention of large-scale adoption within the UK’s mental health services. Innovators are encouraged to work closely with healthcare professionals, patients, and mental health experts to ensure that their solutions are evidence-based, patient-centred, and aligned with the needs of the healthcare system.
Eligibility Criteria and Project Requirements
The competition is open to UK-based organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large companies, universities, and research and technology organisations. Collaborations between industry and academia are encouraged to foster multidisciplinary approaches, which are often necessary when developing complex digital health solutions. However, lead applicants must demonstrate their ability to lead the development and commercialisation of the proposed XR therapeutic.
Projects should have total costs ranging between £200,000 and £300,000 and are expected to last between 12 and 18 months. This funding can be used to cover a variety of activities, including research and development, clinical trials, user testing, and the creation of XR content. Applicants must show how their solution will meet a significant clinical need, how it will be tested for efficacy and safety, and how it will be positioned for real-world implementation.
Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Developing effective digital therapeutics requires a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in healthcare, psychology, technology, and design. The intersection of these fields is crucial for creating XR experiences that are not only technologically sound but also therapeutically effective. For example, clinicians can ensure that the therapeutic content is grounded in psychological science, while XR developers and designers can create immersive and engaging user experiences.
Innovate UK recognises the importance of collaboration between these diverse fields and encourages applicants to assemble teams that reflect this. This includes partnerships between the healthcare sector and technology companies, as well as collaboration with patients and mental health advocates to ensure that the solutions are patient centric. Co-creation with end-users can also help ensure that the final product is user-friendly and meets the needs of those who will benefit from the technology.
Potential Impact on the Healthcare System
The UK’s healthcare system, like many others around the world, is under increasing strain due to rising demand for mental health services. Traditional therapeutic models, which often rely on face-to-face sessions with trained professionals, are resource-intensive and difficult to scale. Digital therapeutics, particularly those that leverage XR, have the potential to fill this gap by offering scalable, accessible, and effective treatments that complement existing care pathways.
XR-based therapeutics can be delivered remotely, allowing patients to engage in therapy from their homes, which can be especially beneficial for those in rural or underserved areas. Moreover, the immersive nature of XR can enhance engagement and adherence to therapy, which are often major barriers to treatment success in mental health. By offering engaging and interactive experiences, XR therapeutics may be more likely to encourage patients to complete their treatment plans and achieve better outcomes.
In addition to benefiting patients, XR solutions have the potential to reduce the burden on healthcare providers. By automating some aspects of treatment or offering supplementary therapeutic content, these solutions could free up clinicians’ time to focus on more complex cases. Furthermore, the data collected through digital therapeutics can provide valuable insights into patient progress, helping clinicians tailor treatments to individual needs.
For more information on how to apply, visit the competition page.
UK’s position on the EU's Research and Innovation Framework Programme
In September 2024, the UK government released a position paper outlining its stance on the EU's upcoming Research and Innovation Framework Programme (FP10). This document highlights the UK's commitment to ongoing collaboration with the EU, focusing on key priorities such as research excellence, global collaboration, security, and the need for reduced administrative burdens. While highlighting the potential benefits of such cooperation, the paper also details the UK’s desire for fair financial contributions and security considerations, setting the stage for future negotiations between the UK and the EU.
Background: The UK's History with EU Research Frameworks
Before delving into the specifics of the UK’s current position, it is essential to understand the history between the UK and the EU in the context of research and innovation collaboration. The EU’s Research and Innovation Framework Programmes, which date back to the 1980s, have always been integral to fostering collaborative research across Europe. Horizon 2020, the predecessor of Horizon Europe, saw the UK as one of the largest beneficiaries and contributors. UK researchers, universities, and businesses often ranked among the top recipients of EU research funding, which allowed them to lead cutting-edge projects and contribute to critical scientific advancements.
However, the UK's decision to leave the EU in 2016 posed significant uncertainties about its future participation in these programs. The post-Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement provided a pathway for UK association with Horizon Europe, but the exact terms and conditions were subject to negotiations. The document under review highlights the UK's aspirations to maintain a productive relationship with the EU in the realm of research and innovation, ensuring that Brexit does not lead to scientific isolation.
- Core Objectives of the UK’s Position
The UK government's primary objective in its position on the EU's Research and Innovation Framework Programme is to maintain access to cutting-edge research and innovation networks while safeguarding its own national interests. To achieve this, the document outlines several key goals:
1. Promoting Excellence in Research: The UK emphasises the need for continued participation in programs that prioritise research excellence. The country’s world-leading universities and research institutions have long been central to Europe's research landscape, and the UK aims to retain this role through FP10 (Framework Programme 10). The government stresses that research excellence should remain a cornerstone of EU research programs to ensure that the best minds and institutions can collaborate on solving global challenges.
2. Global Openness and Collaboration: The UK seeks to promote global openness in research. While Europe remains a critical partner, the UK also aspires to expand its research networks to include other countries like the United States, Japan, and Canada. The document advocates for a framework that allows non-EU countries to contribute to and benefit from EU research programs, creating a truly global research ecosystem.
3. Addressing Global Challenges: Tackling issues such as climate change, public health (e.g., pandemic preparedness), and digital transformation are key priorities for the UK. The EU’s Horizon Europe initiative is already aligned with these objectives, and the UK government stresses the importance of continuing to address these global challenges in partnership with the EU and beyond. The position paper highlights that research aimed at solving cross-border problems will be most effective when countries collaborate across geographical boundaries.
4. Security in Research: Given the geopolitical landscape and the increasing importance of data and technology security, the UK insists that any association with EU research programs must consider security issues. This includes protecting sensitive research data, intellectual property, and ensuring that the UK’s national security interests are upheld. The government seeks a balance between open scientific collaboration and safeguarding national security concerns, especially in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
5. Reducing Administrative Burdens: One of the UK's criticisms of the EU research framework has been its administrative complexity. The UK government advocates for a more streamlined and efficient system that encourages participation from researchers, especially from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A reduction in bureaucratic red tape would enable smoother collaboration and a more dynamic research environment.
6. Ensuring Value for Money: Post-Brexit, the UK has faced pressure to demonstrate that any financial contributions to EU research programs deliver tangible benefits for its economy and society. The document emphasises that the UK’s participation in FP10 should be based on a fair contribution model where the benefits to the UK are commensurate with its investment. This is crucial in ensuring public support for continued participation in EU initiatives.
Opportunities and Challenges of UK-EU Research Collaboration
The UK’s position on associating with the EU’s Framework Programme reflects both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, continued collaboration offers substantial benefits. Horizon Europe provides access to some of the world’s most advanced research infrastructures, databases, and networks. UK scientists, universities, and companies would have the opportunity to collaborate with their EU counterparts on groundbreaking projects that are too large or complex to be undertaken by one country alone.
On the other hand, the relationship is not without challenges. The Brexit process has introduced uncertainties around the legal, financial, and operational frameworks governing UK participation in EU programs. There is also the potential for political friction, especially if either side perceives that the terms of collaboration are not mutually beneficial. The UK government, in its position paper, acknowledges these challenges but maintains that constructive negotiations can overcome them.
The Potential Impact on the UK’s Research Ecosystem
Should the UK secure a favourable association agreement with the EU's Research and Innovation Framework Programme, it stands to benefit in several ways. First and foremost, UK researchers will continue to have access to the EU’s vast research networks and funding opportunities. This would be particularly advantageous for fields such as biomedical research, climate science, and artificial intelligence, where collaboration across borders accelerates innovation.
Moreover, the UK’s commitment to global openness means that the country can continue to foster relationships with non-EU partners while benefiting from its proximity to Europe. This dual approach could strengthen the UK's position as a global research hub, attracting top talent and investment from around the world.
However, if the UK fails to secure an agreement or chooses not to participate, the consequences could be significant. UK institutions would lose access to EU funding and collaborative networks, potentially putting them at a disadvantage compared to their European counterparts. This could lead to a “brain drain,” with top researchers opting to work in countries with better funding opportunities. Furthermore, the UK's research output could suffer if it becomes more difficult to participate in large-scale, multinational research projects.
Navigating the Future of UK-EU Research Relations
The UK’s position on the EU’s Research and Innovation Framework Programme reflects a desire for continued collaboration in a post-Brexit world. By prioritising research excellence, global openness, and a fair financial contribution, the UK aims to remain a central player in European and global research networks. The government's stance highlights the need to balance national interests with the benefits of international cooperation, particularly in tackling global challenges that require collective action.
Moving forward, the success of UK-EU research relations will depend on constructive negotiations that address both the opportunities and challenges of collaboration. If managed effectively, the UK could emerge as a stronger, more globally connected research leader, leveraging its relationships with both the EU and the wider world to drive scientific and technological innovation.
For detailed information on the UK's position, you can access the full document here.
Media Cymru's Scale Up Round 2 Funding Competition
The media landscape in Wales is poised for transformational change, and Media Cymru, a dynamic consortium of 22 partner organisations led by Cardiff University, is at the heart of this shift. As part of its ambitious five-year programme, Media Cymru has launched the Scale Up Round 2 funding competition, with support from Innovate UK and the UKRI Strength in Places Fund. With up to £700,000 available to be invested in research and development (R&D) projects, this competition is designed to place the Cardiff Capital Region firmly on the global media stage.
The Vision Behind Media Cymru
Media Cymru is committed to turning the Cardiff Capital Region into a global hub for media production and innovation. However, this transformation is not merely about boosting production capacity. The initiative prioritizes green and fair economic growth, which means creating a sustainable and inclusive media ecosystem where innovation is at the forefront.
The Media Cymru programme revolves around four strategic pillars:
- Green – Reducing the environmental impact of the media sector.
- Fair – Building a diverse, equal, and inclusive sector.
- Global – Expanding international collaborations and partnerships.
- Growth – Fostering economic growth and productivity through R&D and innovation.
Each project funded through this competition is expected to align with at least one of these pillars, ensuring that funded innovations contribute not only to the advancement of the Welsh media industry but also to the wider societal and environmental goals.
Scale Up Round 2: What’s the Opportunity?
Media Cymru: Scale Up Round 2 offers Welsh media companies the chance to secure significant funding for projects with the potential to scale, innovate, and compete on a global stage. The competition will invest in innovation-driven products, services, and experiences that have the ability to transform the media landscape, both locally and internationally.
Key Details:
- Grant funding range: £100,000 to £250,000 per project.
- Project duration: Up to 12 months.
- Deadline: The competition closes at 11am UK time on the 4th December 2024.
- Project start date: Must not begin before 1st April 2025 and should conclude by 30th April 2026.
- Eligibility criteria: Projects must focus on the media sector and demonstrate a tangible economic benefit to the Cardiff Capital Region.
Importantly, applicants must be prepared for a competitive process, as the funding limit means not all high-scoring proposals will necessarily be funded.
What Makes a Winning Proposal?
Success in this competition hinges on a company’s ability to present a project that meets the specific requirements of the competition while standing out in terms of innovation and scalability.
Here’s what the competition is looking for in a winning proposal:
- Innovation-Driven Solutions: Your project must aim to solve a key challenge or seize an opportunity within the Welsh media industry. Whether it’s improving media production processes, creating innovative content platforms, or addressing challenges related to digital consumption, the project should be original and impactful.
- Proven Feasibility: Ideas are not enough on their own. You need to demonstrate the feasibility of your innovation. This means that the technology or solution you propose must have a sound basis for development and implementation, supported by clear evidence or research.
- Economic Impact: A core goal of this competition is to drive economic growth in the Cardiff Capital Region. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate how their innovation will contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, increasing productivity, or attracting additional investment.
- Rapid Commercialisation: The competition is not just about ideas; it’s about turning those ideas into tangible products and services that can be rapidly commercialised. Your proposal should include a clear commercialisation strategy, detailing how your innovation will be brought to market quickly and effectively after the project’s completion.
- Knowledge Sharing: Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are fundamental to Media Cymru’s vision. Applicants are expected to actively share knowledge and project outputs with the broader media community, fostering a culture of innovation across the region.
- Alignment with Strategic Pillars: Every project must align with one or more of Media Cymru’s strategic pillars (Green, Fair, Global, Growth). This ensures that your innovation contributes to the overarching goals of the programme, whether that’s through promoting sustainability, increasing diversity, driving international partnerships, or enhancing regional economic growth.
Why Should Welsh Media Companies Apply?
The Media Cymru Scale Up Round 2 competition presents a unique opportunity for media companies in the Cardiff Capital Region to receive significant financial backing for their most ambitious and innovative projects. However, the benefits extend far beyond funding.
- Enhanced Visibility and Prestige
Being selected for funding through this competition positions your company as an industry leader. It showcases your commitment to innovation and your ability to develop solutions that can compete on the global stage. This visibility can lead to further collaborations, partnerships, and investment opportunities. - Global Reach
Media Cymru’s commitment to international collaboration means that companies funded through this programme will have the chance to build relationships with global partners, expanding their reach and influence beyond the Welsh and UK markets. - Driving Positive Change
By aligning your project with Media Cymru’s strategic pillars, you’re contributing to a more sustainable, diverse, and innovative media sector. Whether it’s reducing the carbon footprint of media production or creating a more inclusive industry, your project can be part of shaping the future of media in Wales and beyond. - Economic Impact
Perhaps most importantly, successful projects will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth in the Cardiff Capital Region. By creating new jobs, attracting investment, and increasing productivity, your project can have a lasting positive impact on the region’s economy.
Biomedical Catalyst 2024 Now Open
Innovate UK has announced the next round of its Biomedical Catalyst (BMC) competition, offering up to £15 million in funding for innovation projects aimed at addressing critical health and healthcare challenges. This industry-led R&D initiative provides a valuable opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop cutting-edge solutions, spanning from disease prevention to digital health technologies.
Focus Areas of the Competition
The competition is designed to foster innovation across a wide range of health-related areas. Projects are encouraged to focus on one or more of the following:
• Disease Prevention and Management: Projects that develop proactive strategies for managing health and chronic conditions, with the goal of improving long-term health outcomes.
• Early Detection and Diagnosis: Innovations that allow for faster, more accurate detection of diseases, leading to more effective treatments and better patient outcomes.
• Tailored Treatments and Cures: Research aimed at personalising treatments that target the root causes of diseases or offer potential cures for conditions that currently have limited treatment options.
• Transforming Healthcare Delivery: Projects that focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems, making them more accessible and responsive.
• Development of Digital Health Technologies: The advancement of digital tools to enhance patient care, monitoring, and self-care.
• Consumer-Focused Self-Care: Innovations that empower individuals to take charge of their health and well-being through accessible, consumer-focused products.
This broad scope ensures that a wide range of health and healthcare innovations can be supported through the competition, from cutting-edge biotechnology to revolutionary digital health platforms.
Eligibility Criteria for Projects
To qualify for the BMC competition, projects must meet several key criteria. First and foremost, projects must demonstrate evidence of both commercial and technical feasibility. This ensures that proposed solutions have a strong chance of reaching the market and making a tangible impact on healthcare systems.
Additionally, each project must:
• Have total project costs between £150,000 and £4 million.
• Not exceed a grant request of £2 million.
• Ensure that at least 50% of the project costs are covered by the SMEs if it’s a collaborative project.
• Be completed within a timeframe of 6 to 36 months.
• Be carried out entirely within the UK and aim to exploit results in the UK.
• Begin no later than 1st May 2025 and finish by 30th September 2028.
Lead Organisations and Project Teams
To lead a project, the organisation must be a UK-registered micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise (SME). This SME can either work alone or in collaboration with other UK-based organisations, including businesses of any size, academic institutions, charities, public sector organisations, and research and technology organisations (RTOs). Notably, academic institutions are not permitted to lead projects but can serve as collaborators.
Types of Eligible Projects
The competition supports a wide variety of R&D activities, from early-stage experimental research to the development and testing of new products. Eligible projects can include:
• Experimental Evaluation: Testing new solutions on a laboratory scale or using in vitro and in vivo models to evaluate proof of concept or safety.
• Prototyping and Product Development: Moving ideas from concept to prototype, and ultimately, to market-ready products.
• Clinical Trials: Demonstrating clinical utility, safety, and efficacy through early-phase (Phase 1 and 2) clinical trials.
• Regulatory Planning: Preparing for regulatory approval by engaging with relevant bodies early in the development process.
These projects should demonstrate how they can address significant health challenges while also improving the productivity and competitiveness of the SMEs involved.
Supporting a Portfolio of Projects
Innovate UK aims to fund a diverse portfolio of projects across different technologies and themes. This approach ensures that a wide range of innovative solutions have the opportunity to receive funding and make a meaningful impact on the UK’s healthcare sector.
Specific themes that the competition encourages include, but are not limited to:
• Advanced Therapies: Such as gene and cell therapies that represent the cutting edge of personalised medicine.
• Biosciences and Preclinical Technologies: Exploring new drug targets and mechanisms before they enter clinical trials.
• Medical Technology and Devices: Developing new tools for diagnosing and treating diseases.
• Digital Health: Pioneering new platforms and technologies that transform healthcare delivery, enhance remote monitoring, or improve patient outcomes.
• Independent Living: Supporting technologies that enable individuals, particularly those with chronic conditions or disabilities, to live more independently.
Competition Process
The BMC competition is a competitive process, meaning that not all projects will receive funding, even if they score highly. The competition closes at 11am on Wednesday, 16th October 2024. Projects that request grants of over £500,000 may be required to attend an interview as part of the assessment process.
Applicants are encouraged to review the specific details of the competition through the Innovate UK competition brief to ensure they are submitting the most accurate and relevant information: Biomedical Catalyst 2024 Round 1: Industry-led R&D
Travel support for UK businesses to attend European events
Innovate UK has launched a travel support scheme designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK in expanding their reach into European research and development (R&D) collaborations. This initiative, set to run throughout the second half of 2024, provides funding to enable SMEs to attend key European events focused on R&D and consortia-building.
Following the UK’s renewed association with Horizon Europe, this travel support aims to bolster international collaboration by ensuring that UK businesses remain visible and active participants in European research initiatives. SMEs are the backbone of innovation, and this initiative offers them a unique opportunity to expand their networks, secure partnerships, and contribute to major collaborative projects across the continent.
The industries covered under this initiative are wide-ranging, including space technology, sustainable urban mobility, and hydrogen energy, among others. Each event offers a platform for SMEs to engage with international counterparts, forming partnerships that could lead to new research breakthroughs and technological advancements.
One of the key benefits of this program is its role in removing financial barriers for UK businesses. Travel and accommodation costs can be prohibitive, particularly for smaller enterprises. Innovate UK's travel support offers up to £700 per company to cover these costs, enabling more businesses to participate in high-impact events without the burden of additional financial strain.
This initiative is viewed as a strategic tool to ensure that UK businesses remain at the forefront of global research collaborations. As Europe’s R&D landscape continues to evolve, especially with the Horizon Europe program driving significant funding and opportunities, it’s essential that UK SMEs are not left behind. By facilitating their involvement in European consortia, this initiative helps ensure that the UK remains a leader in research and innovation.
For more information, please visit: https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/news/travel-support-now-available/
Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Initiative
The pharmaceutical industry has long been associated with high energy consumption and waste. In response, Innovate UK, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the manufacturing of medicines. This £15 million program, opening for applications with a deadline of 16th October 2024, is set to drive innovation and greener technologies across the pharmaceutical sector.
The aim of this competition is to drive innovation in sustainable medicines manufacturing across three key pillars:
• green chemistry
• circularity
• productivity and resource efficiency
Projects must also consider both critical enablers:
• regulations: how to overcome any regulatory barriers to adoption of your innovation.
• measurements, standards and data: approaches to capture data that support the measurement and reporting of sustainability indicators aligned with industry standards.
These new manufacturing innovations are expected to support more environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes with significant and measurable improvements in at least one of the following areas:
• productivity
• waste reduction
• emissions reduction
• energy use reduction
• resource efficiency
Funding must be used to invest in innovation to deliver across four key goals:
• drive disruptive and novel technologies or processes in medicines manufacturing to optimise production efficiency, minimise waste and reduce emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals
• facilitate the effective implementation of innovative solutions and promote their adoption across the medicines manufacturing sector, ensuring scalability and widespread utilisation
• enhance the UK’s attractiveness as a prime location for investment in medicines manufacturing, thereby stimulating economic growth and enhancing resilience in the sector
• strengthen the UK's manufacturing innovation ecosystem through collaborative partnerships between academia, industry, and government entities, promoting knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives to enhance sustainable manufacturing practices
Projects must also consider how to overcome any regulatory barriers to adoption of the innovation, alongside approaches to capture data that support the measurement and reporting of sustainability indicators aligned with industry standards. By fostering collaboration between researchers, innovators, and manufacturers, this initiative hopes to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions that can be implemented quickly. The aim is to see tangible impact within three years of project completion, meaning that the results of these investments should be felt before the end of the decade.
Innovators interested in applying for the funding will have the opportunity to develop and commercialise technologies that can significantly transform medicine manufacturing processes while contributing to broader environmental goals.
DASA's Rapid Impact Open Call Returns
The Defence and Security Accelerator’s (DASA) Rapid Impact Open Call is back after a five-month pause, and Cycle 3 is now open for applications. This cycle seeks innovative solutions to defence challenges with a clear impact within three years of project completion. Proposals should be valued between £150,000 and £250,000 and aim to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6/7 by the project's end. The deadline for submissions is 19th November 2024.
Before applying, it's essential to contact your local innovation partner.
Competition Document
Contact your Innovation Partner
EU Research and Innovation Policy: Key Agendas for Autumn 2024
As Autumn 2024 unfolds, the European Union’s (EU) research and innovation (R&I) sector is entering a period of strategic transformation, marked by new appointments, evolving policies, and critical budgetary discussions. The upcoming months promise significant shifts that will define the future of European competitiveness, defence, and research collaboration. Here's a look at the key points on the EU’s R&I agenda.
New Research Commissioner: Expectations and Priorities
One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the appointment of a new research commissioner. This individual, set to be nominated and quizzed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the coming months, will significantly influence the EU’s R&I policies for the foreseeable future. The commissioner’s role will be pivotal in guiding the remaining years of Horizon Europe (the EU’s current research and innovation framework) and laying the groundwork for its successor, Framework Programme 10 (FP10).
There is speculation about whether the research portfolio will remain a standalone entity or be merged into a broader portfolio encompassing competitiveness, internal markets, or the economy. As stakeholders wait for the appointment, many are advocating for R&I to stay at the heart of European policy, ensuring continued focus on innovation as a driver of competitiveness.
Defence and Research: The Role of the European Defence Fund
For the first time, defence research is expected to play a more prominent role in EU R&I policy. Ursula von der Leyen, in her campaign for re-election as European Commission President, highlighted defence as a top priority. This includes bolstering the European Defence Fund (EDF), which is designed to support research and development in defence technologies. While the immediate focus remains on urgent defence needs, especially in light of the ongoing situation in Ukraine, long-term plans are also in motion to enhance European defence capabilities through R&D initiatives.
A Clean Industrial Deal: A Pathway to Green Competitiveness
Von der Leyen’s agenda also includes the introduction of a Clean Industrial Deal, which is set to accelerate green technologies across Europe. The goal is to create lead markets in industries such as clean steel and renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on simplifying processes like planning and permitting for green projects. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable industrial practices.
Although many of these plans are part of von der Leyen’s long-term vision, the Clean Industrial Deal could be instrumental in driving R&I investments in green technologies, aligning the EU’s competitiveness with its environmental goals. This initiative ties in with the broader objectives of Horizon Europe and its successor program, which continue to prioritise sustainability across R&I projects.
FP10: Shaping the Future of European Research
One of the most significant discussions in the R&I community centres around FP10, the next iteration of the EU’s flagship research funding program. An expert group has been convened to assess Horizon Europe’s progress and provide recommendations for FP10. This group, led by former Portuguese research minister Manuel Heitor, is set to deliver its findings in mid-October 2024.
FP10 will likely build on the collaborative research strengths of Horizon Europe, which has been critical in fostering partnerships across Europe. The focus is expected to remain on global challenges, such as climate change, health, and digital transformation, while also incorporating new priorities around defence and industrial competitiveness.
Challenges Ahead: Budget and Policy Debates
While the R&I community welcomes the strategic goals outlined by von der Leyen, several challenges lie ahead. One of the most contentious issues is the budget for Horizon Europe. The European Council has proposed cuts of €400 million to the program for 2025, a move that has been met with resistance from the European Parliament and the research community.
These budgetary discussions are particularly significant as the EU prepares for the next long-term budget cycle, beginning in 2028. Many are concerned that R&I funding could be reduced in favour of other priorities, such as the proposed European Competitiveness Fund. Stakeholders are advocating for a balanced approach that maintains strong support for R&I while addressing Europe’s broader economic and defence needs.
The Role of Competitiveness in Shaping R&I
Competitiveness is at the core of von der Leyen’s policy agenda. In addition to defence and green technologies, she has emphasised the need for Europe to remain competitive on the global stage. This includes fostering innovation through R&I investments, particularly in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
A key component of this strategy is the forthcoming report by former Italian prime minister Mario Draghi, which is expected to provide a roadmap for boosting EU competitiveness. While the report’s release has been delayed, its findings are anticipated to shape much of the EU’s R&I policy going forward.
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Programme Outrage
The recent Innovate UK Women in Innovation outcome has drawn significant attention, particularly after Innovate UK's failure to deliver on its funding promises for women-led projects. The initiative, which began in 2016, aims to foster female entrepreneurship by offering financial support and mentorship. However, the most recent round of awards has been mired in controversy, as only 25 applicants were going to receive funding instead of the promised 50, sparking backlash and concerns about Innovate UK's commitment to gender equality.
Women in Innovation Background
Women in Innovation was designed to address the gender disparity in the UK's innovation sector, aiming to support women entrepreneurs and innovators with financial resources and expert mentorship. It has played a crucial role in fostering female participation in a traditionally male-dominated field. Innovate UK has been credited with increasing the representation of women innovators, noting that successful grant applications from women have risen from 1 in 7 in 2016 to 1 in 3 in recent years.
The program’s focus on creating opportunities for women to grow and scale their businesses has been widely welcomed. However, in the 2024 iteration of the program, the initiative drew significant criticism when Innovate UK announced only 25 of the originally promised 50 projects would receive funding. This decision, seen as a significant misstep, left many applicants feeling unsupported and cast doubt on the future of gender equity in UK innovation. The shortfall in funding not only affected the individual businesses hoping for support, but also raised broader questions about how resources are allocated and the priorities of public funding bodies like Innovate UK.
Innovate UK’s Response and Proposed Measures
This situation prompted Innovate UK to acknowledge their mistake. They admitted that their decision to prioritise fewer projects was wrong and issued a public apology, recognising the negative impact this had on applicants and the larger innovation community. Innovate UK also confirmed that they would fund the remaining 25 projects, thus meeting their original commitment of 50 awards with a total investment of £4 million.
In the face of mounting criticism, Innovate UK has laid out a series of measures aimed at rectifying the situation and ensuring that such mismanagement does not happen again. Their response has been characterised by transparency and an effort to rebuild trust with stakeholders. They have committed to fully funding the 50 projects as originally promised, stating that they are already in the process of contacting the additional 25 successful applicants.
To further demonstrate their commitment to supporting women in innovation, Innovate UK has promised to reach out to all applicants to provide information on additional support and resources available to them. This includes highlighting various services within the broader Innovate UK system, such as the Innovate UK Catapult Network and Business Connect, which are designed to help innovators at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Innovate UK has also pledged to improve its strategic engagement with business leaders and gender equality advocates to better understand the needs of women innovators and create new opportunities for them. They are working on refining their internal processes and co-creating new programs that will expand the support available to women in innovation.
Rebuilding Trust and Accountability
While Innovate UK’s quick response and admission of fault are positive steps, the scandal has emphasised the importance of accountability in public funding. There is now greater pressure on Innovate UK to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated. By reaffirming their commitment to gender equality and promising to deliver on their initial funding promises, Innovate UK is attempting to restore its credibility within the innovation community.
Moving forward, Innovate UK will need to demonstrate that it has learned from this controversy. Its plan to co-create opportunities with business leaders and advocates, alongside improving transparency and funding processes, is critical to regaining the trust of the community it serves. Gender equality advocates are also calling for increased oversight to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly and that women innovators receive the support they need to succeed.
Broader Implications for Women in Innovation
This scandal (for this author, who has been watching too much Bridgeton) has highlighted the broader challenges that women face in the innovation sector. While initiatives like Women in Innovation are crucial for addressing gender disparities, they must be backed by consistent and reliable support. The Innovate UK funding shortfall serves as a reminder that efforts to close the gender gap in innovation require more than good intentions - they demand effective execution and follow-through.
The fact that applications for this year’s Women in Innovation program reached an all-time high (1,452 applications) is a positive sign that more women are seeking opportunities in the innovation sector. However, with only 50 projects being supported at a maximum grant of £75,000 each, the lack of funding threatens to undermine this progress and further delay and/or disruption women entrepreneurs and their business plans, which could have long-term implications for their success.
Horizon Europe energy funding opportunities webinar
The Horizon Europe Energy Collaborative R&D Funding Opportunities Webinar, organised by Innovate UK Business Connect, is an essential event for stakeholders in the energy sector looking to engage in cutting-edge research and development (R&D) collaborations. Scheduled for 20th August 2024, this webinar will provide participants with detailed insights into the various funding opportunities available under the Horizon Europe framework, focusing on the energy domain.
Overview of Horizon Europe and Its Relevance to Energy R&D
Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding program for research and innovation, with a budget of €95.5 billion for the period 2021-2027. The program is designed to support projects that address global challenges and enhance Europe’s scientific and technological bases. For the energy sector, Horizon Europe offers substantial funding opportunities aimed at advancing the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
This webinar is particularly timely as the UK, despite Brexit, remains associated with Horizon Europe, allowing UK entities to participate fully in the program. This association means that UK-based researchers, businesses, and other organisations can continue to lead or collaborate in Horizon Europe projects, accessing funding to drive forward innovations in energy technologies.
Key Topics and Opportunities
The webinar will delve into specific areas of Horizon Europe that are relevant to the energy sector, highlighting calls for proposals that address pressing issues such as renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and the development of smart energy systems. These calls are part of Horizon Europe’s wider mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, supporting projects that can contribute to the European Green Deal.
Participants will learn about the funding mechanisms within Horizon Europe, including the Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), which provide support for early-stage research as well as closer-to-market activities. The webinar will also discuss how to develop competitive proposals, with tips on aligning project ideas with Horizon Europe’s strategic priorities and evaluation criteria.
Eureka Eurogia Cluster and Additional Funding Avenues
In addition to Horizon Europe, the webinar will introduce the Eureka Eurogia Cluster, an industry-driven initiative focused on low-carbon energy technologies. The Eurogia Cluster facilitates international collaborations between businesses and research organisations, offering a complementary funding stream for energy-related R&D projects. This cluster supports a wide range of technologies, from renewable energy generation and storage to energy efficiency and smart grids.
The event will explore how UK organisations can engage with the Eurogia Cluster, either as project leaders or partners, and leverage its funding to enhance their innovation capacities. This dual approach of combining Horizon Europe opportunities with the Eurogia Cluster could provide a significant boost to the development of breakthrough energy technologies in the UK and beyond.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
One of the highlights of the webinar is the opportunity for participants to pitch their project ideas to potential collaborators. This pitching session is designed to facilitate the formation of consortia for Horizon Europe proposals, bringing together complementary expertise from different sectors and countries. Additionally, the webinar will include a Q&A session, allowing attendees to interact directly with experts from Innovate UK KTN and gain tailored advice on their specific project ideas.
The webinar is also an excellent platform for networking with peers, sharing knowledge, and identifying synergies between different research agendas. By fostering these connections, the event aims to catalyse the creation of strong, multidisciplinary consortia capable of securing Horizon Europe funding and driving forward impactful energy innovations.
For more details and to register for the event, visit the official site: https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/horizon-europe-energy-collaborative-rd-funding-opportunities-webinar