March 2021 funding landscape: Latest funding, awards and grants

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call:

Medical devices and in vitro diagnostics.

Aim: Translational R&D of medical devices for NHS use, addressing any disease or health area where there is a clear unmet clinical need.

Available funding: total unspecified

Project costs: £unspecified; 3 – 5 years.

Grant: 100%; 80% (HEI.)

Eligibility: Lead: SME, NHS Trust, HEI.

Must include NHS Trust or NHS service provider

At least two organisations involved.

Dates: PDA22: opens: 14 April 2021, closes 9 June 2021

Challenge Awards Call 12 opens: 14 April 2021, closes 10 June 2021

Key Considerations

• Projects can be led by an SME, an HEI or NHS provider.

• Minimum of two organisations must be involved.

• At least one collaborator from NHS.

• Research proposals may address any disease or healthcare area.

• Technologies must already have demonstrated safety & efficacy.

• Proof of concept must exist already.

• Two-stage application process.

• Lead applicants must be based in England

• Project durations: 24 months (min.) and 36 months (max.)

General Recommendations:

• This competition is for projects that have already demonstrated proof of concept. Early stage research is not fundable.

• Any existing medical device for which further prototyping and development is needed can be funded

• Of particular interest is techniques or technologies from a different industry sector applied to the healthcare setting.

• A plan for adoption into the NHS is necessary, therefore partnering with an NHS trust or provider is essential.

• A commercial strategy showing how the product or technique will be taken to market is needed, that shows appreciation of the regulatory pathways for healthcare products.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment:

• This topic is of relevance to all NBIC themes, P, D, M & E.

Sectors and Market Alignment:

• Targeted at the healthcare sector specifically.

• R&D of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices.

• The target user is the NHS in the first instance; commercialisation partner could be a provider of services or product to the NHS.

• Target application must be somewhere that a clear clinical need has been identified, and where benefits over current practice can be shown.

• Project must present a significant innovation with the potential to change clinical practice, and show clear commercialisation strategy.

• Patient and public involvement (PPI) needs to be shown.

NBIC Specific Recommendations:

Relationship to PDME

• P: protection of surfaces, cleaning and re-use of clinical instruments.

• D: sensing of microbial contaminants, in vitro detection and identification of pathogens.

• M: decontamination of surfaces, applying preventative surfaces to reduce cross-contamination.

• E: laboratory cultures for identifying or developing anti-microbial agents, development of screening processes using bio-film based instrumentation.

Key Collaborators

•NHS providers and clinicians.

• Suppliers of services or laboratory equipment to clinical settings.

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call: Medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and tier 3a digital health technologies.

Aim: Help SMEs reach the next stage in development and apply for further funding, in particular an i4i development award.

Available funding: total unspecified:

Project costs: £50-150k; 6 – 12 months. Grant: 100%;

Eligibility: Lead: SME May include collaboration with another SME, NHS trust or research institute; patient and public involvement required.

Dates: Competition 5: Stage 1 open: 17 August 2021, closes 14 Sept 2021 Stage 2: open: 6 Oct 2021, closes 2 Nov 2021

Key Considerations

• Project lead applicant must be an SME based in England.

• Collaborators/subcontractors from elsewhere can be included if justified.

• Collaborator with another SME, research institute or NHS Trust beneficial.

• Research proposals may address any area of existing or emerging healthcare need.

• Innovations can be at any stage of the translational R&D pathway.

• Proof of Concept must be evidenced.

• Two stage application: EoI (stage 1), Project-focused business plan (stage 2).

General Recommendations:

• This competition is for projects that can demonstrate proof of concept and need support to get to next stage.

• Any medical device or diagnostic tool with clear and demonstrable patient benefit.

• Projects should include a Research and Development component.

• Target of the funding is to de-risk projects in advance of further investment or grant funding application.

• Existing collaboration not required, but future collaborators need to be identified.

• A business plan is necessary, showing potential for commercialisation.

• Stage 1 EoI, followed by business plan and 3 min. video pitch, if shortlisted.

• Six assessment criteria.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment:

• This topic is of relevance to all NBIC themes, P, D, M & E

Sectors and Market Alignment:

• Targeted at the healthcare sector specifically.

• R&D of medical devices and in vitro diagnostic devices, including product design, scale-up, IP, safety and efficacy studies, health economics, CE marking. R&D must be a component of the project.

• The target user is the NHS in the first instance; commercialisation partner could be a provider of services or product to the NHS.

• Target application must be somewhere that a clear clinical need and patient benefit can be shown.

• Project should show how it will change clinical practice, provide patient benefits and potential cost savings for the NHS.

NBIC Specific Recommendations:

Relationship to PDME

• P: protection of surfaces, cleaning and re-use of clinical instruments.

• D: sensing of microbial contaminants, in vitro detection and identification of pathogens.

• M: decontamination of surfaces, applying preventative surfaces to reduce cross-contamination, destruction of biofilms for improved healthcare.

• E: laboratory cultures for identifying or developing anti-microbial agents, development of screening processes using bio-film based instrumentation.

Key Collaborators

• NHS providers, patient groups, research institutions.

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call:

Part of the SSPP, Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Programme Smart & sustainable plastic packaging for consumer products.

Deliver cleaner growth across supply chains.

Aim: Deliver dramatic reduction in plastic waste entering the environment by 2025.

Available funding: total £16m: Project costs: £1m to £12m; Grant: 25% (large); 35% (med.); 45% (small).

Eligibility: Lead: Business; collaborative.

Dates

2-stage competition: Stage 1 EoI: Open: 10 Feb 2021, close: 24 March 2021

Stage 2: open 4 May 2021, close 14 July 2021

Key Considerations

•SSPP Challenge aims to establish the UK as a leading innovator.

•Projects must make plastics packaging supply chain more circular; deliver the targets of the UK Plastics Pact; embed life cycle thinking and end of life in packaging design and decisions.

•Show reduced environmental impact, e.g., reduced emissions, increased/improved recyclability.

Particular interest in:

•Minimised plastic packaging

•Refill at scale

•Sustainable solutions for film

•Food grade recycled PP/PE

•Behavioural change for less waste

•Address Plastics Pact target for unnecessary or single use plastic packaging

General Recommendations

•Projects must demonstrate how objectives of the plastics pact are supported, and delivers systemic change.

•Clearly explain reductions in UK plastic packaging system’s overall environmental impact.

•Demonstrate contributing to meeting the SSPP Challenge objectives.

•Utilise innovation in design, technology, processes, business models, supply chains or data for plastic packaging.

•This is large scale demonstrations of capability, which must be demonstrably ambitious.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment

•Aligns with all themes: Prevent, Detect, Manage, Engineer.

•Aligns with NBIC’s activities: Interdisciplinary research and sectorial challenge; Improved Customer Products.

Sectors and Market Alignment: Any practical innovative solutions to help reduce plastic waste and the harm plastics have on the environment, including recycling, reuse, tracking, etc.

Collaboration: Ideal for an NBIC member company (SME or large) to collaborate with other NBIC organisations and NBIC University researchers.

Other: Demonstration at commercial scale will be necessary.

NBIC Specific Recommendations

Relationship to PDME: 

•Prevent: bio-degradability; reuse & refill.

•Detect: marking & tracking of packaging to improve supply chain circularity or sustainability.

•Manage: New business models to reduce plastic going to landfill; behaviour change to use less packaging, increase recycling; reduce dependency on plastics.

•Engineer: Incorporate biofilms into packaging; develop food grade plastic packaging that may be recycled etc..

Possible application of Biofilms: As above plus low carbon, non fossil polymers for packaging.

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call:

Part of the SSPP, Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Programme Smart & sustainable plastic packaging for consumer products.

Deliver cleaner growth across supply chains.

Aim: Deliver dramatic reduction in plastic waste entering the environment by 2025.

Available funding: total £48m: Project costs: £200k to £4m; Grant: 50% (large); 60% (med.); 70% (small).

Eligibility: Lead: Business, collaboration allowed, research organisations max of 50% total eligible costs

Dates: Opens:29 March 2021, closes: 30 June 2021

Key Considerations

•SSPP Challenge aims to establish the UK as a leading innovator.

•Projects must make plastics packaging supply chain more circular; deliver the targets of the UK Plastics Pact; embed life cycle thinking and end of life in packaging design and decisions.

•Must explain how the UK’s plastic packaging system’s overall environmental impact is reduced.

Particular interest in:

•Minimised plastic packaging

•Refill at scale

•Sustainable solutions for film

•Food grade recycled PP/PE

•Behavioural change for less waste

•Address Plastics Pact target for unnecessary or single use plastic packaging

General Recommendations

•These are business-led research projects, but must show clear target of their research in respect of the considerations.

•Clearly explain reductions in UK plastic packaging system’s overall environmental impact.

•Demonstrate contributing to meeting one or more of the UK Plastic Pact targets.

•The project can be a mix of industrial research and experimental development. The scale of the project would reflect this mix.

•Note that experimental development components of a bid carry lower recovery rates.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment

•Aligns with all themes: Prevent, Detect, Manage, Engineer.

•Aligns with NBIC’s activities: Interdisciplinary research and sectorial challenge; Improved Customer Products.

Sectors and Market Alignment: Any practical innovative solutions to help reduce plastic waste and the harm plastics have on the environment, including recycling, reuse, tracking, etc.

Collaboration: Ideal for an NBIC member company to collaborate with one or more of the NBIC University research teams.

Other: Demonstration of value for money will be expected.

NBIC Specific Recommendations

Relationship to PDME: 

•Prevent: bio-degradability; reuse & refill.

•Detect: marking & tracking of packaging to improve supply chain circularity or sustainability.

•Manage: New business models to reduce plastic going to landfill; behaviour change to use less packaging, increase recycling; reduce dependency on plastics.

•Engineer: Incorporate biofilms into packaging; develop food grade plastic packaging that may be recycled etc..

Possible application of Biofilms: As above plus low carbon, non fossil polymers for packaging.

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call

•Innovation grants to facilitate interactions between Med Tech SMEs and Knowledge Providers during product development. For example, help to develop or test new or improved products, processes and services.

•Applications assessed on novelty of innovation, clinical need, value for money, strength of team.

Available funding: Up to £7,500 grant (50% of total project cost).

Dates:

Open call, next deadline 9 April 2021, Subsequent deadlines: 9 July, 8 October 2021.

Key Considerations

•SME applies for and justifies knowledge collaboration.

•Simple application process with regular awards committee reviews.

Typical projects include:

•Help to develop or test new or improved products, processes and services.

•Access to information and expertise on care pathways and workflows.

•Tapping into clinical and scientific expertise.

General Recommendations

•Health stakeholders should be involved in any bid, such as patient groups, clinicians or NHS organisations.

•Teaming with an NHS Trust or medical device manufacturer would be beneficial.

•University medical departments are also regarded as a knowledge provider.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment: Could apply to all NBIC themes, drawing on expertise supportive of SMEs.

Collaboration: UK SME led, collaboration with university (or NHS/medical organisation).

•Links with, e.g., the Southampton medical school would be helpful.

•Could form part of an existing relationship between NBIC and health SME, or help to establish new relationship.

•Any MedTech SME needing expertise to support development or testing can access NBIC as a knowledge provider.

NBIC Specific Recommendations

Relationship to PDME: The grants facilitate interaction between SMEs and knowledge providers on any aspect of healthcare, therefore any aspect of PDME could come into play.

Possible application of Biofilms: Fund covers any aspect of health and medical technology, and so any of the many health applications of biofilms already in development through NBIC are relevant. Fund could support an existing link between an SME industry partner and NBIC research institution.

Key Collaborators

•UK SMEs associated with NBIC.

•RTOs or health trusts as knowledge providers.

•Universities / Research Institutes from NBIC.

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call:

•Grants available to scientists in all career stages who are affiliated with any research-based institution, university or company.

•Grants offered to stimulate innovative research in challenging areas of future importance.

Funding:

•Grants of €100k – 500k (depending on topic) per year for up to three years, with the option of an extension.

•Can apply for more than one grant, or more than one focus topic

•Initial non-confidential application; successful ones invited to submit full proposal.

Dates:

•Now open, submission deadline 31 Aug 2021

•Selection workshops Nov/Dec 2021

Key Considerations

Topic areas of interest this year are:

•Drug Discovery

•Real time testing and sensors

•Nanoparticle for nucleic acid delivery

•Digital innovation

•Bioelectronics

•Sustainability

•Media recycling for cultured meat

•organoids

•The research topics are looking for new technologies and approaches that will apply to new and emerging challenges in the health and environment sector.

•Details of the expectations under each of the topics of interest are given on the linked web-page.

•Knowledge of the commercial expectations of Merck will be important.

General Recommendations:

•Knowledge, competence, access to facilities and innovative ideas will support a bid.

•Connection to, or collaboration with, a clinical or healthcare provider will add credibility and knowledge of the user.

•Innovative thinking, bringing technologies applied to non-health sectors into the health domain will be of interest.

•Applications will be scored on the criteria of: innovativeness; commercial potential; path forward after 3 years; probability of success; team strength; strategic fit.

•Successful applicants will be invited to a ‘deep dive’ workshop with Merck KGaA in Darmstadt, costs paid by Merck.

•Purpose: jointly optimise the submitted proposals.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment:

•Aligns with all NBIC themes, esp. Prevent and Detect, and applies to the improved health sectorial challenge and environmental challenge.

•Research within an NBIC partner institution relevant to vaccine or drug delivery platforms, pathogen control, biosensors or bioprocessing could be proposed.

Sectors and Market Alignment:

•Involvement can create connections between NBIC research and commercial partners, including the pharmaceutical industry.

•Merck are seeking entry to wider markets (e.g. cultured meat production) and research proposals that broaden the application space will be of interest

NBIC Specific Recommendations:

Relationship to PDME

•Prevent: Any application of biofilms that supports identification or categorisation of future health threats.

•Detect: any platform using biofilms for screening or diagnostics of infections in patient management.

•Manage: testing, vector control and delivery systems for emerging health threats.

•Engineer: applications of biofilms in drug delivery, monitoring etc..

Possible application of Biofilms

oAppear to be many relevant biofilm applications at PoC level already underway that are relevant and could form the basis of a bid.

Key Collaborators

•These are research proposals seeking tech solutions towards pandemic preparedness, therefore led by an NBIC researcher or team supported by access to other researchers through NBIC.

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call:

•KTN runs iX challenges on behalf of various beneficiaries looking for innovative solutions to specific challenges

•The challenges are updated regularly, and sometimes have relevance for NBIC partners.

•Selected finalists are given the opportunity to present to the challenge sponsor, possibly leading to a commercial opportunity.

•Support from KTN and relevant catapults are available to successful applicants.

Sectors and Market Alignment:

•Current calls are related to energy supply and less NBIC relevant, but future challenges may be more relevant.

Dates: Deadline for applications dependent on challenge.

Key Considerations:

•KTNiX provides an opportunity to propose technology applications to commercial users.

•The challenges are set by commercial users – current challenges are based around energy efficiency.

•IP is retained by the solution provider(s).

Collaboration:

•Proposal could be a collaboration of businesses with the right mix of skills.

•Organisations bidding must be UK based.

General Recommendations:

•If successful in the initial round these challenges give the opportunity for a small organisation to raise its profile in what could be a profitable future area.

•Note that a simple registration to KTN-iX is necessary to access details of this and other Innovation Exchange competitions.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment:

•Currently no relevant biofilm challenges advertised.

•When a relevant challenge is advertised a biofilm based solution or approach can be considered and proposed.

•Calls could align with any or all NBIC themes, Prevent, Detect, Manage and Engineer

•Specific alignment dependent on challenge advertised 

Sectors and Market Alignment:

•Any sector could be represented, although current ‘hot’ topics are environment and energy, either of which could lead to NBIC relevant technology use.

•Successful development under one of the KTN-iX challenges could lead to opportunities for biofilms to be applied in novel ways or sectors, or lead to translation of technologies between application sectors.

NBIC Specific Recommendations:

Relationship to PDME

•Prevent: Protection or removal of biofouling in relevant environment.

•Detect: Detection of build up of biofouling, leading to initiation of response.

•Manage: Opportunity to apply biofouling management processes in diverse applications, possibly cross-sectorially

•Engineer: Creation and application of processes in which knowledge and management of biofilms creates benefit in specific application challenges.

Key Collaborators

•Researchers and application experts.

•Knowledgeable experts in application challenge area.

APPLY NOW

Scope of Call: Addresses challenges associated with the transition to zero emission vehicles (ZEV).

Aim: Feasibility and CR&D strands using new, innovative solutions or extend existing solution to improve ZEV range, emission, user experience or sustainability.

Available funding: £17m Project: £300k – £600k; up to 8 months. Grant: 70% micro, 60% medium, 50% large.

Eligibility: Lead: UK business Collaboration: up to 3 partners maximum.

Dates: opens: 15 March 2021 closes: 21 April 2021

Key Considerations

•Must start by 1st August 2021 and finish before 31st March 2022.

•Subcontractors are allowed, maximum of 30% of total project cost.

•Academic institutions allowed up to maximum of 30% of project cost.

•Can address both niche and mainstream on-road vehicles, either private, public service or commercial.

•Must identify which challenge is being addressed out of:

•Improved range

•Increased adoption of ZEVs

•Transition to zero emission for special use vehicles

•Improved ZEV user experience

•Improved sustainability of ZUVs

General Recommendations:

•In the CR&D strand an existing product can be taken further.

•The call is specifically not for challenges focusing on maritime, rail or aviation – must be focused on challenges facing zero-emission road vehicles.

•but solutions investigated could be translational to other areas.

•A feasibility bid must show how it will lead to future opportunities for further R&D and, if possible, show how a possible product would be taken to market in the future.

•A CR&D bid must show a realistic commercial opportunity.

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment:

•Bidders should consider where biofilms might be part of the challenge or the solution. For the feasibility study, an opportunity to work individually or with a collaborator to investigate possible biofilm issues.

•Could align with any NBIC theme; it, is a function of where the application, prevention or use of biofilms could be beneficial in the zero emission vehicle development space.

Key Collaborators:

•Lead business may collaborate with another relevant business, such as in the transport sector, or could collaborate with a research organisation.

•Maximum of three consortium partners allowed (including non-grant claiming partners).

•Subcontractors are allowed, their costs limited to 30% of project cost and they do not count towards the maximum of three partners.

NBIC Specific Recommendations:

Relationship to PDME

•Proposed solutions could be Prevention of biofilm fouling or degradation (countering bio-degradation of ZEV performance), Detection of biofilm build-up, Management of biofilms that impair performance, or Engineering of beneficial bio growth or bio-degradation components and surfaces.

Possible application of Biofilms

•In this context it seems likely that biofilms would cause degradation of components or performance rather than add improvement.

•There might be beneficial applications that could be investigated such as enhancement of biofuels or hydrogen generation and use.

INDUSTRIAL

FEASIBILITY

Scope of Call: Feasibility studies and Industrial Research addressing farming challenges of productivity, sustainability and net zero emissions.

Aim: Novel innovations to develop and support a productive, resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

Available funding: £12m industrial: £250k – £750k; up to 24 months. feasibility: £75k – £250k, between 12 to 18 months.

Eligibility: industrial: UK business + collaborators. feasibility: UK business or RTO + collaborators.

Dates: opened: 1 March 2021, closes 28 April 2021

Key Considerations

•Project should demonstrate or deliver outcomes or benefits to farmers.

•Must identify problems identified by farmers and show clear links to end users.

•Awards are subject to green box exemption under the WTO Agreement on agriculture.

•Project must focus on one of the following:

•Livestock

•Plant

•Novel food production

•Bio-economy and agri-forestry

•Industrial Research projects must be collaborative and business led.

•Feasibility studies must be collaborative, can be led by business, RTO, or academic.

•Subcontractors are allowed.

General Recommendations:

•Prospective bidders should familiarise themselves with the details of the call, the WTO agreement on agriculture and ensure that there is no implied distortion of trade.

•Bid should show how beneficial outcomes to farmers will be delivered, and how the proposal will help the agricultural sector move towards net zero emissions.

•Links to farmers, growers, agri-business or other relevant beneficiaries should be clearly shown, along with evidence that the solution is able to be widely used in the industry.

Watch briefings

NBIC Theme (PDME) Alignment:

•Aligns with any of the PDME themes relevant to agriculture, particularly in support of improved yields, better animal, soil and plant health, improved growth and novel food production.

Sectors and Market Alignment:

•Biofilms relevant to livestock, agriculture, bioeconomy, agroforestry and food production.

•Aligns with agriculture, animal husbandry, food production, forestry.

•Supports UK ambition of net zero by 2040.

Key Collaborators:

•Farmers, growers and producers involved in the farming industry.

•Research organisations (RTOs) supporting farming and agriculture.

NBIC Specific Recommendations:

Relationship to PDME

•The proposed solution could address Prevention of bio-fouling or degradation of crops and foodstuffs, Detection of pathogens, Management of biofilms within the farming or agricultural environment, for beneficial effects e.g., in pest control or Engineering of processes reliant on, or affected by, biofilms.

Possible application of Biofilms

•Biofilms are relevant in many situations from infection to soil enhancement and plant growth.

•Commercial impact can be derived from the introduction of biofilm understanding in industrial applications associated with farming and food production.

MORE INFORMATION

Horizon Europe is a seven year programme (2021-2027) with €53.8 bn to spend on Global challenges in health, culture, creativity, digital, climate and food, bio-economy, natural resources, agriculture and environment.

Latest update:

•It has been agreed in principle under the trade agreements concluded at the end of 2020 that the UK will be able to participate as an associate partner in EU programmes – which includes principally the new Horizon Europe programme being launched later this year.

•The agreement has not yet been ratified and there are some final steps to conclude, however there are no more negotiations to be done and full ratification by the EU is expected by the end of April 2021, with formal association completed by the middle of the year.

•The agreement will ensure that there are equivalent terms of engagement for UK and EU participants, and that UK organisations can lead projects, UK experts can take part in evaluations and the UK will continue to have a role in defining the work programme.

•There are a few provisos, and it’s not yet fully clear what impact they may have, if any. Although the UK can access the entire programme and will compete for funding in the same way as in the past, the EU retains the option to exclude an associate country from participating in certain actions if they have ‘duly justified reasons’ such as national security. It’s not obvious when or if this could be invoked, although it could allow a certain amount of political action by some European governments in future.

•The UK government continues to have a role in identifying the work programme, but its role on the governance committee is limited to contribution; it does not have any voting rights, although proposals from this committee very rarely involve voting.

The UK can participate in Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) run under the aegis of the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). Further information about the EIT is available here. 

•Calls for projects under the EIT KICs have closed for 2021; calls for projects starting in 2022 will open later this year.

•Collaborative projects between UK and European organisations have been very successful in the past, and BEIS are hopeful that UK RTOs, Academic Institutions and businesses will engage with the new European research programme. Horizon Europe projects are seen as complementary to Innovate UK initiatives, and are expected to open up collaborative opportunities and export opportunities. UK research priorities are not completely aligned with those of the EU; there is a new strategy to be published by the UK in the Summer.

•The Horizon Europe work programme has what are described as three pillars – Excellent Science, including the ERC and Marie Sklodowska-Curie awards; Global challenges, including the JRC, and the EIC/EIT.

•The National Contact Point network is still in place from pre-Brexit days, and NCPs are available to help and guide those wanting to find out more about opportunities and participation, or lead bids into the Horizon Europe programme. The list of NCPs, and their sectors, can be found here. 

NBIC Relevance

•The Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICsO perhaps most relevant to NBIC partners are the: CLIMATE-KIC (includes resource efficiency and raw materials); Food; Health; Innovative: Energy, and Manufacturing ones.

•The cluster of most potential interest is pillar two, the global challenges, which includes:

•Health

•Culture, creativity and inclusive society

•Civil security for society

•Digital, industry and space

•Climate, energy and mobility

•Food, bio-economy, natural resources, agriculture and environment

General Background: Can be found here. 

•New UKRI council funding HEIs for research and KE.

•UK Research Partnership Investment Fund, and HEIF (Higher Education Innovation Fund).

•New Funding Finder website

Funding changes:

Recurrent grant finding for the academic year 2020 – 2021 (£ m):

•Accelerated QR 0

•National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF, allocated as QR) 107

•Recurrent knowledge exchange (HEIF) 230

•National facilities and initiatives 40

•Others are unchanged from 2019 – 2020.

Fund review

UK Research Partnership Initiative Fund (UKRPIF):

•Capital funding to research centres and universities; only half the projects allocated.

•Fund not currently open; open dates will be published on the UKRI website.

Research England Development (RED) Fund:

•£27 m p.a. for projects that aid development & interaction of the UK’s HE and KE activities in line with Government and UKRI priorities.

Research Capital Investment Fund:

•For research groups to maintain or improve physical premises or infrastructure.

•Is allocated annually to HEIs – awards normally announced July

International Investment Initiative (I3) Fund:

•Supports existing international collaborations.

•Closed for submissions in 2019; no future rounds are in place as yet.

Connecting Capability Fund (CCF):

•Supports partnerships between HE, businesses and investors & some Catapults.

•Only open for follow-on funding for existing CCF wave 1 projects at present.

Museum, Galleries and Collections Fund:

•University museums, galleries and collections; Ongoing for existing recipients.

Global Challenges Research Fund:

•Research that addresses challenges faced by developing countries.

•Accessible to HEIs that submitted QR GCRF (ODA compliant) strategies.

Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Fund:

•Strategic expansion of research units already deemed excellent.

•Specifically about supporting improvements in UK research capability in line with the Industrial Strategy and Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).

Relevant to NBIC … But currently not open; future round not yet confirmed.

•Thirteen current projects across diverse areas, from linguistics to space, from plastics to music, from fine print to diabetes, etc..

•Total funds allocated ~£76.1 m

•Average project size ~£5.8 m

More information. 

Research England Development (RED) Fund:

•Ongoing application & approval process.

•Next Panel date: tbc

•Expectation that applications are prepared in collaboration with RE.

•Possible for industry to partner with an HEI to apply an advanced research technology.

•Eight current projects: ~£22.7 m; avg ~£3 m (excluding low value outlier).

•Straight-forward application process; alignment to the fund’s key priorities should be evident.

•Non-competitive fund; apply any time.

•Relevant to all NBIC themes as long as a net public benefit will be delivered; collaboration is welcomed.

More information.

Commercialisation Quantum Technologies: CRD & Tech round 2 : total £46.8 m; closes 28 April 2021 (11:00)

•To advance commercialisation of quantum technologies in UK and increase private sector investment. Projects must exploit 2nd generation quantum technologies.

•These involve the generation and coherent control of quantum states, resulting in phenomena such as superposition or entanglement.

•Two options: (a) Collaborative R&D, and (b) Technologies (solution to an identified technological barrier).

•Business led + an SME. RTOs can collaborate up to max. 30% of project cost.

•Total eligible cost £2m to £20m, total grant request <£10m; 24 – 36 month projects. Successful applicants interviewed late June 2021.

MORE INFORMATION

Commercialisation Quantum Technologies: germinator projects round 1; closes 31 March 2021 (11:00)

•Stimulation of the commercialisation of quantum technologies in the UK.

•Second generation quantum technologies:

•These involve the generation and coherent control of quantum states, resulting in phenomena such as superposition or entanglement.

•Projects must show a promising application of quantum technology: demonstrate potential and a route to market.

•Total eligible costs up to £50 k, up to 6 months duration. Business or RTO can lead; RTO lead must partner with a business.

•Watch briefing: https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/729141a4-ed9c-4bcc-af8c-99cafe93f921/summary

MORE INFORMATION

IETF deployment of energy efficiency technologies, Spring 2021 : total £40 m; closes: 14 July 2021.

•Onsite deployment of technologies to improve the energy efficiency of an industrial process or processes.

•Grant request > £100 k – £14 m; 12 – 24 month projects.

•Aimed at businesses that use energy or produce direct emissions.

•Briefing event 8 June 2021: https://web-eur.cvent.com/event/729141a4-ed9c-4bcc-af8c-99cafe93f921/summary

MORE INFORMATION

IETF energy efficiency and decarbonisation studies, Spring 2021 : total £40 m (combined with the IETF deployment competition above).

•Feasibility and engineering studies to enable investment decisions in energy efficiency and deep decarbonisation solutions.

•UK business led with or without collaborators. Targeted to a single manufacturing site or data centre.

•Feasibility project costs >= £30 k, up to 12 months; Engineering studies >= £50 k, up to to 24 months.

•Aimed at businesses that use energy or produce direct emissions as a result of their industrial processes.

•Closes: 14 July 2021. Briefing event 8 June 2021.

NBIC Relevance:

•Quantum competitions:

•Possibility for NBIC partners to collaborate – application to biofilms in which biological molecules exhibit useful quantum processes (P).

IETF competitions:

•Possibility for NBIC partners to collaborate to assist with energy and process efficiencies where biofilms may be a hindrance (P, D and M).

Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): 2021 to 2022, round 1

•Standard KTP scheme. Comprehensive application process.

•Typically project costs are expected to be £75 k per annum, part of this expected to be funded by the business partner; 12 – 36 month projects.

•Technology and Management KTPs possible.

•Opens: 8 Feb 2021; closes: 14 April 2021.

MORE INFORMATION

African agriculture knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): 2020 to 2021, round 5: £2 m

•Similar to above KTP, except another knowledge base and a business partner registered in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya or S. Africa to be included.

•Enhanced application form/process – more questions.

•Registration closes 14 April 2021

MORE INFORMATION 

Clean Growth Fund

•The Clean Growth Fund (CGF) invests in the most promising and ambitious companies to provide commercialisation expertise and access to markets.

•Looking for any company with a clear and significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gases.

•Provides business support to sectors: power, buildings, transport, industry and waste.

•First round investment £500k – £3M 

MORE INFORMATION 

NBIC Relevance

•Knowledge transfer partnerships:

•NBIC partners may find the KTP scheme a useful way to involve a researcher from academia in their business. This route can often lead to a recruitment opportunity, as well as improved working relationship with the researcher’s university.

NERC Highlight

•Research addressing environmental challenges.

•Funding up to £4 m over / up to 4 years.

•Competition opened 30 November 2020, closes 25 March 2021

MORE INFORMATION 

EPSRC: Manufacturing the future

•Support for engineering and physical sciences research looking at key challenges facing manufacturing in the UK.

•Includes chemistry and materials.

•Up to £2M

•Open now, no closing date 

MORE INFORMATION 

MRC: Infections and immunity programme

•Typically grants of £1 m or more for up to 5 years.

•Grants within an academic institution.

•Next round opens 9th May 2021

MORE INFORMATION 

UKRI-SBE lead agency opportunity

•Collaborations between UK and US researchers in any discipline including biotech.

•Submission of EoI to NSF and UKRI for consideration.

•Maximum award £1 m, currently open, no closing date 

MORE INFORMATION 

EPSRC: Discipline-hopping in ICT

•Relevant for researchers with non-ICT expertise looking to learn ICT research skills and apply them in their home discipline.

•3-4 month support of salary and T&S at 80% FEC.

•Now open, no closing date 

MORE INFORMATION

BBSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC, I-UK: EoI: Transforming UK food systems for health and environment

•Academic led, but with industrial collaboration, relevant to production, processing, manufacturing food environments

•Grant funded, £250 k – £2 m, closing date for EoI 22 April 2021

MORE INFORMATION

NBIC Relevance:

•NERC Highlight: Challenges relevant to NBIC – environmental barriers to the spread of zoonotic pathogens and environmental basis for the prevention of zoonotic pathogen emergence.

•MRC: Infections and immunity programme: Some relevance to NBIC through prevention and control of infectious disease, in collaboration with other university departments.