Research funding on offer through 2 new Small Business Research
Initiative calls
SBRI is a programme that brings innovative solutions to specific
public sector needs, by engaging a broad range of companies in
competitions for ideas that result in short-term development
contracts.
Recently launched calls include:
Retrofit for the Future – opens 7th April
This competition aims to retrofit UK social housing stock in
order to meet future targets in reduction of CO2 emissions and
energy use.
Helicopter Rotor Blade Scintillation opened 11th
Feb
Seeking innovative approaches to physical protection systems
that protect against IEDs, mines, rocket attacks and other threats
in current and possible future operations.
Energy efficient Whitehall opened 22nd Feb
This competition is looking for energy efficient solutions for
government buildings in Whitehall.
Ultra-efficient lighting for homes 22nd Feb
The Technology Strategy Board and Defra are launching a £1.2m
SBRI initiative to fund development work on ultra-efficient
lighting (UEL) for the domestic environment.
Calls are continually being developed so do ensure you are aware
of what is on offer.
Key features of the programme include:
- SBRI is a programme for running an open competition for ideas
and new technologies.
- It results in a fully funded development contract between the
company and the government department - it is not a government
grant.
- It generally has a two-phased development approach that starts
with initial feasibility and then more detailed product
development.
- It is a fast track, simplified process that allows government
departments to engage with business they would not normally work
with.
- It is particularly suitable for SME and early stage businesses
and gives vital funding for the critical stage of product
development.
- The government department (or public sector body) acts as the
lead customer and is instrumental in helping the business develop
its product or technology.
- It should result in a commercial product or service.
- The intellectual property is retained by the company, with
certain rights of use held by the department.
SBRI stands for Small Business Research Initiative and
significantly reworks the previous scheme that was launched into
the UK in 2001. The Technology Strategy Board champions SBRI which
is now focused on technology development and specific competitions.
This is similar to the SBRI scheme in the United States, which has
been running successfully since 1982.
If you are interested in finding out more about SBRI you can
attend one of the Innovation Forum events - visit the
'Funding for innovators 2010' news story to find out more.
Or to find out more about the SBRI visit the
Technology Strategy Board website.