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Research and Development

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• Nanoscale technology-enabled healthcare: building the supply chain (opens 1 November 2011)

       

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  joint allocation of total funds - up to £9 million
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  6 December 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
  
  Description
  The Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have jointly allocated up to £9m to invest in highly innovative, business-led collaborative research projects in the field of nanoscale technology-enabled solutions in the healthcare sector, specifically in the areas of diagnostics and targeted therapeutics.
  
  The Technology Strategy Board has allocated up to £3m to fund the business components of the project. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has allocated up to £6m to fund the academic components of the project at 80% full economic costing.
  
  We are looking for projects where nanoscale technologies are at the heart of the innovation. They should address challenges in building the supply chain across enabling nanoscale technologies and the healthcare sector, and in taking ideas from basic proof-of-concept or process to pilot technology demonstration in a representative environment. Projects can range from industry-orientated basic research through to applied R&D.
  
  All projects must be business-led and collaborative, with at least one partner drawn from large or small businesses, academia, research and technology organisations, or not-for-profit organisations. We will invest in projects requiring a public sector funding contribution of typically between £500,000 and £2m over the whole project. We intend to invest in projects that, in the main, will contain a mix of applied research (attracting up to 50% public funding), and industry-orientated basic research (attracting up to 75% public funding).
  
  The competition opens on 1 November 2011 and the deadline for registration is noon on 6 December 2011. A briefing day will be held on 15 November 2011. Click here for more details.

   

  Miniaturisation in Healthcare Products – 2nd November 2011
  The event will highlight the applications of micro and nanotechnology to healthcare products and funding opportunities for their commercialisation.  In addition to presentations on successful case studies and state of the art academic research, the TSB will discuss the Nanoscale Technology Enabled Healthcare call, which opens on 1 November 2011, providing £9m of TSB-EPSRC funding for innovative projects between UK industry and academia - for further details click here.

   

• SBRI Competition for development contracts: Assessing the impact of near-patient testing

  

  Category 
  Research & Development 
  
  Value/contribution level
  £1million is allocated and it is anticipated that development contracts will be in the region of £100,000 to £350,000
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  register interest by 9 November 2011, and closes at noon on 16 November 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  Technology Strategy Board
  
  Description
  The Technology Strategy Board, in partnership with the Department of Health (DH), is to invest up to £1m in projects to produce new and improved tools, products or capabilities in the field of health economics to assist companies in the design and evaluation of diagnostic clinical trials. It is envisaged that the new tools will lead to better adoption of new diagnostic products, where appropriate, by providing assessors.
  
  The Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents (DIIA) platform aims to reduce the economic burden, death and illness due to infectious agents in humans and animals by encouraging the development and clinical adoption of commercially viable diagnostic devices that will create business opportunity and wealth in the UK.
  
  This competition has been developed in discussion with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA). The competition aims to generate health economics capabilities and models that will assist companies in predicting the impact of the introduction of point-of-care (POC) diagnostics.
  
  Applicants may directly evaluate the impact of the introduction of CE marked Products to collect data to inform their models.
  
  The CE marked products and models must be for a disease or condition prioritised by DH for the DIIA programme (see scope in briefing document).
  
  This competition will open on 26 September 2011 and close at noon on 16 November 2011. It is open to single companies or organisations from the private, public and third sectors, including charities. Projects can last up to 24 months and successful applications will attract a 100%-funded development contract. We expect that contracts will be in the region of £100,000 to £350,000.
  
  To apply for funding through this competition and to get further details you will need to register your interest via the Competitions section of the TSB website at www.innovateuk.org by noon 9 November 2011.
  
  There are three competitions in this, DIIA’s second series of competitions, and applicants may wish to consider applying for the collaborative R&D competitions; ‘Sepsis I: Multi-pathogen detection and/or simple discrimination’, or ‘Sepsis II: Advancing biomarker use in sepsis management’, details of which can be found at www.innovateuk.org under Competitions.
  
  The briefing day, on 5 October 2011, will describe all three competitions in this series and provide applicants with an opportunity to seek clarity on the application process and scope. If you have any queries about the technical scope of the competition or the application process, please contact the Competitions helpline on 0300 321 4357 or email competitions@innovateuk.org

   

• Sepsis I: Multi-pathogen detection and/or simple discrimination

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £5m
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  registration closes 1 November 2011 
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  The Technology Strategy Board, in partnership with the Department of Health (DH), is to invest up to £5m in collaborative research and development projects to develop point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools to assist clinicians and health workers in the management of sepsis.
  
  The scope of the competition includes the development of devices capable of detecting multiple pathogens and devices for distinguishing between bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The Ministry of Defence and the Home Office have also expressed an interest in funding this competition; decisions will be made on a project-by-project basis.
  
  Proposals should be collaborative and business-led. Applicants must establish relationships with clinical experts and microbiologists to ensure their proposed product is fit for purpose – these experts can be consortia members, subcontractors or upfront advisors.
  
  The competition opens on 30 August. It is anticipated that most applications will focus on applied research attracting up to 50% of the total project costs. We expect most projects will have a total project cost of less than £3m but projects above this will be considered; the Technology Strategy Board’s assessors will comment on value for money. Projects may last up to four years.
  
  For further information and to download the brief, click here.

   

• Sepsis II: Advancing biomarker use in sepsis management

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £2.5 million
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  01 November 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  The Technology Strategy Board, in partnership with the Department of Health (DH), is to invest up to £2.5m in collaborative research and development to advance the effective use of biomarkers in the management of sepsis. The scope of the competition will include projects that aim to evaluate how biomarkers could be used more effectively to support and inform clinical decisions. The Ministry of Defence and the Home Office have also expressed an interest in funding this competition; decisions will be made on a project-by-project basis.
  
  Proposals should be collaborative and business-led. It is envisaged that applicants will establish relationships with clinical experts and microbiologists to discuss appropriate access to patient samples, and to ensure that the project design could give rise to a new generation of products of value to healthcare workers in decreasing the impact of sepsis.
  
  We expect most applications will be for applied research attracting up to 50% of the total project costs; but some work packages in the industry-orientated basic research category, which can attract up to 75% public funding, are expected. Projects should last up to three years.
  
  For further information and to download the brief, click here.

   

• Grant for Research and Development: innovation support for small and medium enterprises

  

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  Funding levels range from £25,000 to £250,000
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  See assessment dates throughout the year
  
  Name of organisation
  Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  Grant for R&D offers funding to help SMEs engage in technology-based R&D projects from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge, stimulating future economic growth.
  
  Three types of grant are available - for proof of market projects, proof of concept and development of prototype. Depending on the type of grant, funding levels range from £25,000 to £250,000.
  
  The Technology Strategy Board's Grant for R&D scheme is a successor to the programme which was previously available from many of the Regional Development Agencies, and shares similar objectives. It will work alongside existing programmes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  
  However Grant for R&D is not simply a continuation of the RDA schemes; some of the arrangements and criteria are different. Businesses wishing to apply will need to study the guidance for applicants carefully and note that applications will have to be tailored specifically to the new scheme. 
  
  For full information including eligibility and how to apply, please click here. 

   

• Commissioned call for proposals open (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  The HTA funds on the basis of the scientific merit of the proposal and the team put together to carry out the study – see guidelines for further details
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  Thursday 23 June 2011 - before 1pm
  
  Name of organisation
  NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme (HTA)
  
  Description
  The HTA programme produces independent research about the effectiveness of different healthcare treatments and tests for those who use, manage and provide care in the NHS. It identifies the most important questions that the NHS needs the answers to by consulting widely with these groups, and commissions the research it thinks is most important through different funding routes.
  
  It provides ongoing help and support for the investigators it funds, before publishing their findings in its internationally acclaimed journal series, Health Technology Assessment.
  
  Commissioned calls for research proposals are advertised four times a year. This call is now open and research proposals are now sought on the following topics.
  
  Primary Research (outline proposals)
  
  11/19 Pre-operative smoking cessation interventions
  
  11/21 Automated reading of retinal photography in diabetic eye screening
  
  11/23 The use of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of Crohn's disease
  
  11/25 Surveillance regimes following early breast cancer
  
  11/26 Robot-assisted training devices for upper limb disability in post-stroke patients
  
  11/28 Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation devices for assisted cough in neuromuscular disease
  
  11/32 Pharmacotherapy plus adjunctive support for alcohol dependence
  
  11/34 Guided reduction of antipsychotic medication
  
  11/35 The risk and benefits of psychotropic medication during pregnancy- * Deadline for application Friday 8 July 2011 * HTA would like to advise applicants that this topic area had previously been advertised as evidence synthesis and it has now been revised to primary research.
  
  Evidence Synthesis (full proposals)
  
  11/22 Tools and outcome measures for monitoring autism spectrum disorder (Systematic Review)
  
  11/27 Non-invasive ventilation for stable end stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  
  11/29 The relationship between refluxing pelvic veins and pelvic pain
  
  Feasibility Study (outline proposals)
  
  11/24 Treatment-to-target strategies in rheumatoid arthritis
  
  11/33 Integrated rehabilitation interventions after surgical treatment for hip fracture in older people
  
  
  All submissions for the below topics must reach the HTA offices before 1pm on Thursday 23 June 2011. Submissions for topic 11/35 must reach the HTA offices before 1pm on Friday 8 July 2011.  Proposals will be considered by the HTA Commissioning Board in September 2011. 
  
  Click here to be directed to the HTA website for more information.

   

• Second call: Assisted Living Technologies - Innovation Awards for Collaborative R&D (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  Innovation Awards £5K each
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  30 April 2011  - NOW EXTENDED TO 31st MAY 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  University of Sheffield
  
  Description
  ** Deadline extended to 31st May 2011 – click here for details. **
  
  The University of Sheffield is launching a second call to work with UK based SMEs in the area of `Assisted Living Technologies´. Up to 10 Innovation Awards of £5k will be made available to initiate Collaborative R&D projects and give SMEs the opportunity to access research expertise and facilities.
  
  Projects will be business-led and should aim to develop innovative products, processes or technologies that respond to some of the key industry challenges in the area of `Assisted Living Technologies´, where the university has the appropriate expertise and facilities to deliver.
  
  This scheme aims to tackle some of the demanding challenges facing the medical technologies industry as it addresses this growing area.
  
  All projects are expected to start by May/June 2011 and be a maximum of 3 months in duration. All projects should be completed by the end of August/September 2011.
  
  For further information, click here.

• Call for EPSRC/ Healthtech & Medicines KTN Industrial CASE Studentships Awards for 2011/2012 (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  Proposals should be received electronically by 16:30hrs on Friday 20 May 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  EPSRC/HealthTech & Medicines KTN
  
  Description
  The HealthTech and Medicines KTN will be able to support five industrial CASE Studentships for awards that are due to start in the academic year 2011/2012. These CASE Studentships provide an excellent mechanism for engaging Universities and industry through training and technology transfer.
  
  This call particularly welcomes proposals with a strong SME industrial lead establishing new collaborations with academic/clinicians addressing major unmet clinical needs and delivering novel approaches to help patients as well as benefiting UK healthcare industry.
  
  The technical scope is broad with the main emphasis on encouraging adventurous research for improved health technologies, whilst engaging with the industrial and clinical base to provide a route to the market. The overriding aims are:
  
  •  Demonstration of unmet and clear clinical priorities by developing methods, materials and technologies to enable the acceleration / shortening of the innovation pathway from basic research to clinical translation and also methods to predict long term clinical outcomes form short term preclinical methods.
  •  Deliveries of step-change technologies with cross converging disciplines.
  •  Development of novel materials/devices or clinical procedures which can demonstrate cost saving to NHS.
  
  To find out more about the priority areas and for further information, click here. 
  

• NIHR Dementia Themed Call (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  20 May 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
  
  Description
  The NIHR is issuing a call for research on dementia. This call extends across the translational pathway, covering the fields of cause, cure and care, including prevention. Seven of the NIHR managed research programmes will be participating.
  
  Dementia is defined as a chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. Dementias resulting from a range of known and unknown aetiologies will be considered including but not limited to: Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular disease and trauma.
  
  This call supports the NIHR response to ‘Living well with Dementia – A National Dementia Strategy’, published in February 2009. It also supports the work of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Dementia Research (MAGDR) on ways to improve the volume and impact of dementia research. Reports from the MAGDR subgroups should be available in late March and applicants will need to consider their recommendations, carefully, particularly in respect of topic priorities and better ways of working.
  
  Research proposals should relate to dementia and must be within the remit of one of the seven participating programmes. Applications which support multi-disciplinary and cross-professional collaborations are particularly encouraged. For more details click here.
  
  Application forms are available on the individual programme websites. Completed forms must be submitted by 20 May 2011. Funding decisions will be made no later than the end of March 2012.

   

• Assisted Living Technologies - Innovation Awards for Collaborative R&D (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  Innovation Awards £5K each
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  31 March 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  University of Sheffield / EPSRC Knowledge Transfer Account (KTA) 
  
  Description
  The University of Sheffield is launching an exciting initiative in this area. Up to 10 Innovation Awards of £5k will be made available to initiate Collaborative R&D projects and give SMEs the opportunity to access research expertise and facilities.
  
  Projects will be business-led and should aim to develop innovative products, processes or technology under the ‘Assisted Living Technologies’ theme.
  
  This scheme aims to tackle some of the demanding challenges facing the medical technologies industry as it addresses this growing area. The scheme is also intended to provide companies with an opportunity to develop or reinforce their networks in the area of ‘Assisted Living Technologies’ through an associated project launch and showcase events.
  
  The University of Sheffield has secured funding from its EPSRC Knowledge Transfer Account (KTA) to promote interaction with industry and better exploit its research outputs, i.e. to turn research into benefit for the UK’s citizens and economy.
  
  UK based SMEs who have not worked with the University of Sheffield previously are invited to submit applications for an Innovation Award of £5k. The funding is aimed to support collaborative R&D by providing access to academic research expertise and facilities that cannot be sourced commercially.
  
  Assisted Living Technologies Theme
  The University will fund projects that respond to some of the key industry challenges in the area of ‘Assisted Living Technologies’, where the University has the appropriate expertise and facilities to deliver.
  
  Some of the key issues facing the industry are shown in this document, click link to download:

  Assisted_Living_Innovation_Award_Scheme

  Assisted_Living_Innovation_Scheme_2011_Press_Release

   

• EU Call for Proposals: Eurostars programme (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  amount of funding/costs eligible for funding will follow national rules and procedures
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  24 March 2011 - 20.00 Central European Time - 21.00 UK Time
  
  Name of organisation
  Eurostars EUREKA
  
  Description
  The Eurostars Programme (‘Eurostars’) is a European innovation programme managed by EUREKA. Its purpose is to provide funding for market-oriented research and development with the active participation of specifically research and development performing small and medium-sized enterprises.
  
  According to the EUREKA criteria, a Eurostars project can address any technological area, but must have a civilian purpose and be aimed at the development of a new product, process or service. Organisations eligible to participate include:
  
  •  SMEs
  •  Universities
  •  Enterprises
  
  An Eurostars project is collaborative, meaning it must involve at least two participants (legal entities) from two different Eurostars member countries. The main participant must be an R&D-performing SME from a Eurostars member country.
  
  Eurostars projects will be funded primarily through national funding schemes. The amount of funding and costs eligible for funding will follow national rules and procedures. It may therefore vary between Eurostars member countries.
  
  Each partner is advised to contact their EUREKA NPC ( http://www.eurostars-eureka.eu/where.do ) for information on the applicable funding rules and the availability of funding per cut-off date.
  
  For further details please go to: http://www.innovateuk.org/content/competition/eurostars-march-2011-call-.ashx and  http://www.eurostars-eureka.eu/  

   

• Stratified medicines programme: Developing business models and value systems (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £1.5m to be invested in collaborative R&D projects
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  24 February 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  As part of a £11m programme in stratified medicines, the Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £1.5m in collaborative research and development projects that aim to develop and adopt business models and value systems in this area.
  
  This competition is being developed in conjunction with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and will complement its medical technologies evaluation programmes.
  
  The co-development of drugs with companion diagnostics is a relatively new area of commercial R&D, and the ways in which biomarkers are developed and validated in conjunction with clinical studies vary.
  
  The potential for diagnostics companies to profit from co-development and tests, and the potential for pharmaceutical companies to obtain value in a smaller market via reimbursement or reduction in the size and costs of clinical trials, is still uncertain.
  
  This competition aims to bring together the different players to determine the best ways to co-develop drugs and companion diagnostics, and the ways in which subsequent reimbursement can be distributed across the value chain. This should increase the number of stratified treatments that are developed, the speed of their development, and their adoption by healthcare providers.
  
  Proposals for funding should be business-led and business-driven, and must clearly present the benefits to business. Applications must be for collaborative R&D so there must be at least two consortium partners, one of which must be a business.
  
  The competition opens on 10 January 2011. Successful projects may range from focused basic research attracting up to 75% public funding, through to applied research attracting up to 50% public funding, and experimental development with up to 25% public funding. 
  
  Click here for more details about the brief. 

   

• Stratified medicines programme: Tumour profiling and data capture to improve cancer care (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £5.6m to be invested in collaborative R&D projects
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  24 February 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  One of the major challenges in this area is that currently available tests only analyse single mutations or genes. Cost and time constraints mean that multiple tests cannot readily be done in the NHS, where results are often needed in days. In addition, there is no integrated IT system where assay results and longitudinal clinical information can be securely stored and interrogated to inform research where consents are in place.
  
  The aim of this competition is to help businesses overcome these barriers by:
  
  •  supporting the development and uptake of multiplex mutation testing of tumour DNA
  •  supporting the capture of relevant clinical and test data to inform treatment and guide future research and development in the area
  •  enabling commercial solutions to be adopted in the NHS, improve patient care and outcomes and potentially save the NHS money in the long term
  •  proposals should be collaborative and led by a business, and must clearly present the benefits to business
  
  There are two separate aspects of this competition; development of assays for DNA mutations and electronic data handling. Industry-led proposals addressing either of these areas or both combined are welcomed.
  
  The projects should result in products or services that are ready for clinical adoption and implementation, and during the projects consortia will be expected to work with clinicians, hospital managers and others, as appropriate, to test their technologies in healthcare settings.
  
  The competition opens on 10 January 2011 with successful projects generally focused on applied research attracting up to 50% of public funding.  Click here for more details.

   

• Stratified medicines programme: Inflammatory biomarkers for more effective drugs (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £4m to be invested in collaborative R&D projects
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  24 February 2011
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) & Medical Research Council (MRC)
  
  Description
  As part of an £11m programme in stratified medicines, the Technology Strategy Board and Medical Research Council (MRC) are to invest up to £4m in collaborative research and development projects developing biomarkers in the area of inflammation and immunology.
  
  The UK has a strong clinical research base in this field, and the pharmaceutical industry has a vibrant development pipeline. The current system for gaining marketing approval for drugs involves large scale trials designed to look for improved average health outcomes across the entire patient population.
  
  Real world data from drugs on the market normally confirms that different patients have a variable response to a drug in terms of both benefit and side effects, and that grouping (or stratifying) patients according to their likely drug responses could have therapeutic benefits.
  
  In the specific area of inflammation and immunology, even when drugs are aimed at a well-defined molecular target and have excellent pharmacological properties, they still often fail at the proof-of-concept stage.
  
  The aim of this competition is to support the development and use of biomarkers to predict how groups of patients will respond to inflammation and immunology therapies. In this way therapies could be given only to relevant patient subgroups for better results in alleviating symptoms and side effects. By incorporating biomarkers into clinical studies, businesses will be able to accelerate their new product or service developments and improve patient outcomes.
  
  The TSB are funding collaborative projects which must be led by a business and clearly focus on how the development will benefit business. The competition opens on 10 January 2011.
  
  Projects may range from focused basic research (up to 75% public funding), through to applied research (up to 50% of public funding) and experimental development (up to 25% public funding). 
  
  Click here for more details.

   

• Feasibility Studies for Technology-Inspired Innovation (CLOSED)

   

  

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level 
  up to £2m allocated to invest in feasibility studies
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  10 February 2011 
  
  Name of organisation
  Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  The TSB proposes to stimulate innovation across its core technology areas to help ensure that small and micro businesses in the UK are well-equipped to respond to society’s current and future challenges. We have allocated up to £2m to invest in feasibility studies lasting up to three months, each costing no more than £33,000 in total (up to £25,000). Projects may be collaborative or carried out by a single company. This competition will focus on feasibility studies:
  
  • in technologies closely aligned with our six core areas (see below)
  
  • that contain an element of technology innovation
  
  • that are both led and undertaken by small and micro companies individually or in partnership
  
  • where the single company or collaborative partners spend most of the funding in-house
  
  The feasibility studies need to match one or more of the technology areas below and must align closely with the Technology Strategy Board’s strategies in the respective areas. Where a proposal cuts across more than one technology area, the application will need to indicate which one (of the six technology areas) it predominantly involves. The current strategies can be found at www.innovateuk.org under Publications.
  
  Each project will culminate in a short report and, where relevant, a demonstrator. Projects will also present their achievements at a public ‘Collaboration Nation’ event to be held in autumn 2011.
  
  In conjunction with this competition the TSB are also running three other competitions for feasibility study funding in digital, nanotechnology and space. See www.innovateuk.org under Competitions for further information.
  
  Proposals must fall into one of the following six areas:
  
  • Advanced Materials
  • Biosciences
  • Electronics, Photonics and Electrical Systems
  • High Value Manufacturing
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Nanotechnology
  
  For further details and to download the brief click here.

   

   

• Technology-Inspired Collaborative Research and Development (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £18million to fund R&D projects
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  expressions of interest must be submitted by 18 November 2010 (NOON)
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) proposes to stimulate innovation across its key enabling technology areas to help ensure that UK businesses are well-equipped to respond to the challenges presented by the economic downturn and slow recovery. We have allocated up to £18m to invest in collaborative research and development projects.
  
  The core technology areas covered by this competition are:
  
  • Advanced Materials
  • Biosciences
  • Electronics, Photonics and Electrical Systems
  • High Value Manufacturing
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Nanotechnology
  
  Funding allocation and application process
  The TSB has allocated up to £18m to fund collaborative research and development projects that address the technical challenges and inspire and demonstrate new technologies that align with the scope described above.
  
  • The TSB are primarily looking to fund applied research projects attracting 50% public funding
  
  • The TSB expect to invest between £250k and £500k in each project, although projects outside this range will be considered
  
  • Projects will normally last two to three years and should deliver a tangible outcome such as a system or process demonstrator
  
  • All applications will be assessed on individual merit in accordance with the normal TSB process. However, in order to ensure coverage of the whole technology scope, we reserve the right to apply a ‘portfolio’ approach, subject to meeting the required quality threshold
  
  A ‘Guidance for Applicants’ document, to be published on the opening date of the competition, will explain the application process in detail as well as provide full information on the funding levels and eligible costs. Before that date a range of documents and example forms are available for reference at www.innovateuk.org under Competition.
  
  An optional briefing will be held in London on 20 October 2010 to highlight the main features of the competition and explain the application process.  The TSB intend to make a film of the briefing available online for non-attendees.
  
  This is a two-stage competition that will open on 12 October 2010 and expressions of interest (EOI) must be submitted by noon on 18 November 2010.
  
  For more information about this and other competitions and details of how to register and apply, visit www.innovateuk.org under Competitions.
  
  Competitions helpline: 0300 321 4357
  Email: competitions@tsb.gov.uk  

   

• Lifelong Health and Wellbeing - Phase 3 call (CLOSED)

  

   

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level 
  £16 million available of joint funds 
  
  Closing date (if applicable) 
  Outline stage deadline 30 June 2010, Deadline for full applications 24 November 2010

   

  Name of organisation
  The Lifelong Health and Wellbeing (LLHW)

   

   

  Description
  The Lifelong Health and Wellbeing (LLHW) has committed £16 million of joint funds so far in the first two phases of the programme, supporting three Centres, ten Collaborative Development Networks and three multi-disciplinary Collaboratives. In each phase, emphasis has been placed on supporting high quality multidisciplinary collaborative research, engaging with stakeholders and the public, building research capacity and promoting knowledge transfer.
  
  The focus of the LLHW phase 3 call is to continue supporting high-quality innovative multidisciplinary research that addresses major ageing-related challenges faced by the UK in the 21st Century. We welcome applications which build on UK research strengths including use of existing data and resources.
  
  Applications are particularly encouraged in areas where there is a need to build the evidence base, including, but not restricted to the following cross-cutting areas:
  
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing including quality of life, preserving cognitive function and exploiting mental capital.
  • Resilience for successful ageing: from cell to society including life course influences, health inequalities, markers for ageing and processes of ageing.
  • Age-related conditions, including frailty and interventions to promote independence in later life.
  
  The following are examples of the type of research areas that would fit the remit of the call. They are intended to be illustrative and are not prescriptive or exclusive:
  
  • Development or evaluation of interventions to promote mental health and wellbeing.
  • Promoting physical health in older age.
  • Enhancing mobility and independence in later life.
  • Understanding the development and impact of age-related conditions.
  • Implications of employment and work in later life.
  • Development and validation of methods and measures to integrate biological, physical, psychological, cultural and socio-economic markers or indicators of health and wellbeing in later life.
  
  Applications must add value to the ageing-related research field or be of strategic importance in informing policy and practice. Successful proposals will be truly multi-disciplinary and have clearly articulated and robust methodology and design.
  
  The Research Councils have worked closely with the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) to ensure that this call and the new call under the TSB Assisted Living Innovation Platform (ALIP) are complementary.

   

  How to apply
  The Medical Research Council (MRC) is administering and managing the call on behalf of the LLHW funding partners. For more information visit the Lifelong health and wellbeing phase 3 page on the MRC website.

   

• EUREKA Eurostars Programme (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level 
  up to 50% funding of eligible project costs.  Up to a maximum grant of 300,000 Euros per UK participant in any single project
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  30 September 2010
  
  Name of organisation 
  EUREKA Eurostars Programme 
  
  Description
  The EUREKA's Eurostars Programme is the first European funding and support programme to be specifically dedicated to SMEs.
  
  Eurostars will stimulate SME's to lead international collaborative research and innovation projects by easing access to support and funding. Providing funding and support for market-oriented research and development specifically with the active participation of R&D-performing SMEs. The Eurostars definition of research performing SMEs is a company that invests 10% or more of turnover or full-time equivalent to research activities.
  
  In proposing Eurostars the Eureka network seeks to overcome one of the barriers to the implementation of high-quality SME-led transnational R&D projects, the lack of guaranteed public-sector funding. Eurostars takes a ‘bottom-up' approach to project generation. Projects can address any technological area and should be aimed at the development of a new product, process or service.
  
  Eurostars is open to all sectors (except military technology) for funding applications on a continuous basis until 2013.
  
  Eurostars call for proposals
  
  Current call - click here for more information
  
  Next cut off date for proposals - Thursday 30 September 2010. Central European Time 20.00 - UK time 19.00
  
  To receive all information on the Eurostars 2010 call register on the Eurostars website, www.Eurostars-eureka.eu.
  
  UK participants in a successful Eurostars project are funded through the Technology Strategy Board whilst other EU partners are funded via their own national funding bodies.
  
  Under the UK EUREKA Eurostars rules only innovative intensive and research performing SME's are eligible for 50% funding of eligible project costs, up to a maximum grant of 300,000 Euros per UK participant in any single project. Academics and large companies are welcome to participate in Eurostars projects, but funding has to be secured from other sources.
  
  UK Eligibility Criteria
  
  - Companies must have been trading for over 12 months.
  - Companies must have commercial income* of twice the value of any grant requested or provide the Technology Strategy Board with evidence [prior to application] that the company have the funds to cover the 50% industry contribution and also to exploit the expected project outputs to outcomes.
  * The commercial income cannot include grants from the UK and/or the European Union.
  - Participants in a Eurostars project must be separate legal entities.
  - UK lead projects must be managed by a project partner and an SME as per the Eurostars criteria.
  - All expenditure from the UK grant must be spent in the UK, including subcontracting.
  - Subcontracting from the UK budget is capped at 20%.

  Please view related documents on the website for further information.
  
  It is highly recommended that you contact the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Eurostars funding body, to check your eligibility under the UK rules.
  
  Contact details 
  Graham M Mobbs
  European Operations Manager
  Technology Strategy Board
  graham.mobbs@tsb.gov.uk  

   

• Knowledge Transfer Network - Industrial Mathematics Internships

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  
  
  Name of organisation
  Knowledge Transfer Network - Industrial Mathematics
  
  Description
  Funding is available for short projects (3-6 months)
  
  Areas: modelling and simulation, data analysis, algorithm development, technology testing (e.g. GPU technology)
  
  The work is carried out by PhD students who take a break in their studies. The student is based at the company full time for the duration of the project
  
  A problem is specified by the company and the project aim is the benefit for the business
  
  KTN provides free assistance in finding a student, just let us know about the problem you would like to solve!
  
  50% of the project cost is covered by EPSRC. Company contribution is £4-7K depending on duration of the project.
  
  1-page application, decision within a week and the project can start immediately!
  
  More information is at www.ktn-internships.net

   

• EPSRC Healthcare Partnerships Call 2010 (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  Up to £5 million has been allocated to this call for proposals and anticipate funding between 5-10 projects
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  All proposals submitted to this call must be received by 16:00 on Thursday 19 August 2010.
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  This is the second Healthcare Partnerships’ call run by EPSRC. Applicants should note that some changes have been introduced, in the light of our experience of the first call; also, the submission process now excludes an initial expression of interest component.
  
  The main purpose of the Healthcare Partnerships scheme is to establish a joint funding stream for high quality engineering and physical science research within academe that provides a potential route for exploitation within the UK healthcare arena.
  
  This call invites collaborative basic research proposals which address an important healthcare issue. These must include at least one non-academic partner, which must be either/or a small charity or SME able to provide, as a minimum, a cash contribution of £10,000 towards the total academic costs of the project. Proposals should also address a pathway to ensuring appropriate impact and deployment which might be provided by the non-academic partner(s). In this area impact could well focus on quality of life. It would also be highly desirable for the proposal to include appropriate end user involvement such as patients, carers or policy makers, and proposals should describe how this will be achieved.  To obtain a downloadable version of the call, click here. 
  
  Healthcare Partnerships Town Meeting – 22 July 2010
  The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the Healthcare Partnerships’ call and to provide an opportunity for members of the academic community, SME sector and small charities to network. Click here to be directed to the event page for more details. 
  
  Before completing an Expression of Interest form it may be helpful to refer to the EPSRC website for details of the Healthcare Partnerships funded under the first Healthcare Partnership call available on the Panel Rank Ordered List: Healthcare Partnerships page on GoW. 

   

• Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme Call for Proposals 2010 AAL-2010-3 (CLOSED)

   

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  Dependant on project
  
  Closing date (if applicable) 
  30 July 2010 at 17:00
  
  Name of organisation 
  Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint Programme 
  
  Description
  The objective of the AAL Joint Programme is to enhance the quality of life of older people and strengthen the industrial base in Europe through the use of Information and Communication Technologies. 
  
  For the documentation/information on the 2010 call for proposals, please go to the website for the AAL 2010 competition webiste - www.aal-europe.eu/calls/aal-call-3-2010
  
  AAL Project Eligibility
  Consortium composition of at least:
  • 3 independent eligible organizations (legal entities), from at least 3 different AAL Partner States participating in the Call for Proposals
  • One eligible business partner
  • One eligible SME partner which can be the business partner
  • One eligible end-user organization
  • Size of the consortium: 3 - 10 partners
  • Duration of the project: 12 - 36 months
  
  UK Participant Eligibility in AAL Projects
  The Technology Strategy Board as the UK funding body will fund a maximum of 50% of the UK eligible costs of an AAL project in the 2010 call.  The eligibility criteria for the 2010 call is.
  
  - All participants must be separate legal entities.
  - All UK companies must have been trading for at least 12 months.
  - There are specific accountancy rules for Sole Traders & Micro Companies [companies with less than 10 employees].
  - Maximum grant limit of 400,000 Euros per UK partner in any single project. Except for Charities and Foundations [see below].
  
  Industry [SME & Large Companies] - up to 50% of eligible costs
  Local Authorities - up to 100% [must have UK industry partner in project]
  NHS Trusts - up to 100% [must have UK industry partner in project]
  Charities and Foundations - 100% [Max grant limit of 75,000 Euros]
  
  The UK budget for the AAL 2010 call is 1.1 million Euros.
  
  Higher Educational Institutes [HEI's] are not specifically excluded, but the Technology Strategy Board is unable to fund. If HEI's wish to participate they must provide their own funding.
  
  It is recommended that all UK participants contact the Technology Strategy Board to check eligibility.  For further information contact:
  
  Graham M Mobbs - European Operations Manager
  Technology Strategy Board
  Telephone: 01793 442763
  Mobile: 07824 599585
  E-mail: graham.mobbs@tsb.gov.uk  
  
  For further information and to apply, click here.

   

  A Technology Strategy Board (TSB) & Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Briefing Workshop is being held on Thursday 17 June - click here for more details, and an Optional Briefing is being held on 30 June 2010 in London.

   

   

• Assisted Living: Economic and Business Models and Social and Behavioural Studies (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  Project investment range: £250k and £2m (24-36mths)
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  Compulsory expression of interest 29 July 2010 - see TSB website for key dates
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  The aim of this call is to address needs identified in the areas of Economic and Business Models and Social and Behavioural Studies. The Economic and Business Modelling theme will aim to provide improved evidence to underpin industry and social enterprise, to encourage investment in and implementation of assisted living services and technology. The Social and Behavioural Studies theme will aim to better understand the interactions between Assisted Living technologies and services and individuals, families and communities.
  
  Economic and Business Modelling and Social and Behavioural Studies
  In May 2010 a new joint call for proposals will be launched on the themes of Economic and Business Models, and Social and Behavioural Studies in Assisted Living. The priorities in each of these areas were identified through two workshops, held in July and September 2009 respectively
  
  Economic and Business Models Priorities
  - Understanding current and future markets for assisted living. Will the market in the UK be driven by statutory provision, by the NHS, or will it be private or third sector provision or a combination of these? What is the interplay between the two?
  - How will technology challenge the business model? Will the main business, and employment generation be in service provision, rather than device manufacture? How can we move on the industry investment case?
  - How can financial flow models be developed and new services integrated within the NHS and Local Authorities? What organisational changes will be needed if large scale deployments of assisted living technologies are to be implemented? How can wider benefits and returns on investment, e.g. health and social benefits, be measured when hard to quantify in strict cash terms? What are the elements required to generate significant market pull from private purchase and how might this affect statutory service provision?
  
  Social and Behavioural Studies Priorities
  - Understanding the wide range of 'users' of assisted living technology and their varying contexts including families and carers.
  - Understanding the current and future nature of assistive living technologies and services.
  - Understanding the relatively low demand for new assisted living technology at individual, family , community levels e.g. How might continued problems around limited usefulness, usability, poor image, unattractive products, stigma, lack of a joined up service model and perceived impact on privacy be addressed?
  - Understanding the relatively low demand for assisted living technology at an organisational levels e.g. through Primary Care Trusts, Local Authorities and the Third sector.
  
  To find out more about the call and to apply when it opens on 14 May 2010, click here.
  
  Email: support@innovateuk.org
  Call: 0300 321 4357

   

• Yorkshire Forward and EPSRC Industrial CASE Awards 2010 (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level 
  varies
  
  Closing date (if applicable) 
  25 June 2010
  
  Name of organisation
  Yorkshire Forward and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
  
  Description
  Yorkshire Forward is pleased to announce that through their partnership with EPSRC the region has been allocated up to six Industrial CASE Studentships to award, for 2010. As such we are seeking applications from companies based within the Yorkshire and Humber region who may wish to apply for one these studentships in research areas that align with Yorkshire Forward’s strategic priorities for business innovation through collaboration with the knowledge base. These priorities have been identified to help implement the Regional Innovation Strategy and align with the priorities identified within EPSRC’s own Delivery Plan. We are particularly seeking applications from SMEs and also those companies that have not previously collaborated with EPSRC.
  
  The Yorkshire Forward Industrial CASE Award Strategic Priority Areas are:

  (i)  Healthcare Technologies and Medical Devices
  (ii)  Advanced Materials
  (iii)  Intelligent Product and Process Design
  (iv)  Sustainability Science.
  (v)  Digital and New Media
  
  Industrial CASE (Collaborative Awards in Science & Engineering) Awards are three and a half year postgraduate awards allocated to companies to enable them to take the lead in defining, and arranging, projects, with an academic partner of their choice. The academic partner will be host to the Industrial CASE student.
  
  The company is required to provide a cash contribution of a minimum of one third of the EPSRC contribution. This contribution is supplementary (in addition to) EPSRC's award. At present rates this equates to a minimum of approximately £21,765 over the duration of the project. The company must also commit to supporting the student and enabling them to spend at least three months, during the period of the award, at their business premises and pay any travel and subsistence costs the student accrues during this period.  For the 2010 awards, the earliest start date will be 1 October 2010.
  
  To apply for one of the six possible Industrial CASE Awards allocated to Yorkshire Forward, please complete the Application Form below, and e-mail as an attachment to Danielle Hankin at danielle.hankin@yorkshire-forward.com to arrive no later than 17:00 on Friday 25 June 2010.
  
  EPSRC CASE Application to Yorkshire Forward 2010
  
  The Application Form is a simple 2-3 page proforma which requires company details (name, address, type of organisation (SME/large, previous experience of CASE), a brief description of the proposed research, alignment to one of the four Yorkshire Forward strategic priorities, brief details of the problem to be solved, the specific scientific or engineering content, the industrial relevance and potential value and exploitation path, and the details of the academic supervisor.
  
  In addition to the quality of the proposal in addressing the points in the application form, criteria for selecting projects for an award include:
  
  -  potential for exploitation of research results and the company’s capacity and commitment to exploit; 
  -  quality and breadth of the training which will be available to the student.
  
  The order of priority for allocations to companies will be:
  
  1. Small and Medium Business Enterprise (SME) with no prior EPSRC engagement
  2. Other SME
  3. Other non SME company with no prior EPSRC engagement
  4. Other non SME company
  
  Please send completed applications to: Danielle.hankin@yorkshire-forward.com  
  
  Contact details
  For further information contact: Dr Danielle Hankin, Engagement and Strategy Manager, Innovation at Yorkshire Forward on danielle.hankin@yorkshire-forward.com or telephone 0113 394 9658.
  
  For general enquiries about the EPSRC Industrial CASE scheme please contact EPSCR directly on IndustrialCASE@epsrc.ac.uk  

• Competition for Collaborative R&D (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £8million
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  Opens 10 May 2010 and closes 17 June 2010
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  The Technology Strategy Board has allocated up to £8m to invest in highly innovative collaborative research and development projects in the area of trusted services. The tools, techniques and services developed will accelerate the deployment of secure and trustworthy information systems, within Digital Britain and the wider global economy.
  
  This investment targets the increasing risks that UK Government, businesses and consumers face, whilst providing significant market opportunities to build a strong UK capability base. We are focusing on business-led collaborative projects to develop trusted services which rely on technologies and their associated supply chains that will deliver significant improvements over
  today’s service offerings.
  
  Up to one quarter of the funding will be awarded to fast-track projects which last up to 12 months and have a total value of less than £150k. The remainder of the funding will be awarded to collaborative R&D projects lasting 12-36 months and with a total project value exceeding £150k.
  
  The key dates for this competition are 10 May 2010 when the competition opens and 17 June 2010 when the compulsory EOI must be submitted. Following the independent panel review of the compulsory EOIs, the Technology Strategy Board will then invite successful applicants to make a full-stage application.
  
  Contact details
  For more information about this competition and details of how to register and apply, please see www.innovateuk.org under Competitions. Both Guidance for Applicants documents will be available when the competition opens on 10 May 2010.
  
  For background information on the strategies and innovation platforms mentioned see www.innovateuk.org/ourstrategy/innovationplatforms.ashx  
  
  Competition helpline: 0300 321 4357
  Email: competitions@tsb.gov.uk

   

• Collaborative Research and Development

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  varies between 25 per cent and 75 per cent
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  n/a
  
  Name of organisation
  Technology Strategy Board
  
  Description
  This Solutions for Business product is a grant to encourage businesses to liaise with each other and with those in the research community in developing new products, processes and services.
  
  Grants are designed to help cut the cost of bringing the results of research to market. The level of grant support will vary between 25 per cent and 75 per cent of your research and development costs and those of your business partners.
  
  Eligibility
  Businesses from all sectors across England that have the willingness and potential to collaborate on developing innovative products, processes or services.
  
  Contact details
  The Technology Strategy Board
  Block B, Floor 1
  North Star House
  North Star Avenue
  Swindon
  SN2 1JF
  
  01793 442 700
  
  Website
  
  

• Research and Development (R&D) Tax Relief

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  n/a
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  n/a
  
  Name of organisation
  Grant Thornton UK LLP
  
  Description
  Research and development (R&D) tax relief and credits give a tax advantage to both small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies undertaking qualifying activities. Our specialist team of advisers deal with claims in a wide range of sectors.
  
  R&D tax relief is a government incentive to encourage companies to invest in R&D activities by claiming relief on qualifying costs.
  
  R&D activities are not confined to companies in the technology sector. We make claims for companies across a range of sectors including: 

  •  Manufacturing
  • Engineering
  • Construction
  • Automotive
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Software

  There is a time limit of two years from the end of the accounting period to submit an R&D claim with the return.
  
  The rates of relief are: 

  • 175% of the qualifying R&D costs may be claimed, as a tax deduction by SMEs (150% for expenditure prior to 1 August 2008).
  • 130% of qualifying costs for large companies (125% for expenditure prior to 1 April 2008).

  In addition, SMEs may choose to "trade in" their R&D losses and receive 24.5p (24p for expenditure prior to 1 August 2008) for each £1 spent on qualifying R&D.
  
  100% allowances are also available on R&D capital expenditure.
  
  Contact details
  For further details please contact Samantha Vanags, Partner on 01865 799805 or email
  
  Website

• Grant for Research and Development – Yorkshire and Humber

  Category
  Research & Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  Varies
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  n/a
  
  Name of organisation
  Yorkshire Forward
  
  Description
  The Grant for Research and Development is a DTI funded scheme, managed in this region by Yorkshire Forward. It is aimed at helping businesses to carry out research and development work that will lead to technologically innovative products or processes.
  
  A new development; you can now apply any time. The scheme is now open for applications continually.
  
  It will still be run as a competition. If an application is received by the end of one month, applicants will be notified if their proposal has been rejected or will go forward for a more detailed appraisal by the end of the next month. If this is the case, a decision will be reached by the end of the second month. Micro projects will usually be decided by the end of the first month after submission. This is the same timescale for decision as previously.
  
  Grants for the various strands are:

  • proof of market projects: £5,000 to £20,000 (60 per cent of costs)
  • micro projects: £5,000 to £20,000 (45 per cent of costs)
  • research projects: £20,000 to £100,000 (60 per cent of costs)
  • development projects: £20,000 to £250,000 (35-40 per cent of costs)
  • exceptional projects: up to £250,000 for research and up to £500,000 for development (60 per cent of research costs and 35-40 per cent of development costs)

  Eligibility
  It is suitable for individuals planning to start up businesses in England and at businesses with fewer than 250 employees already operating in England.
  
  Contact details 
  John Millar
  R & D Grants Manager
  0113 394 9866
  
  Yorkshire Forward
  Victoria House
  Victoria Place
  Leeds
  LS11 5AE
  0113 394 9718
  
  Website

• Regenerative Medicine Programme: Developing Therapeutics (CLOSED)

  

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £4 million funding to invest in projects
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  29 April 2010
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  As part of a £21.5m programme in Regenerative Medicine, the Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £4m in fast-track collaborative research and development projects in the area of regenerative medicine therapeutics.
  
  Our aim is to support businesses in the preclinical or clinical development of regenerative medicine therapeutic products.
  
  Projects must be collaborative and led by a business, and proposals must clearly state the benefits to business. Total project costs should be no greater than £400k; consortia seeking larger sums should contact the competition helpline.
  
  Challenge: To enable the preclinical or clinical development of previously-identified therapeutic candidates - that can replace or regenerate human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function - to create regenerative medicine products.
  
  Contact details
  Website: www.innovateuk.org
  Email: competitions@tsb.gov.uk  
  Call: 0300 321 4357

   

• Regenerative Medicine Programme: Tools and Technologies Feasibility Studies (CLOSED)

    

  Category
  Research and Development
  
  Value/contribution level
  up to £2 million funding to invest in projects
  
  Closing date (if applicable)
  29 April 2010
  
  Name of organisation
  The Technology Strategy Board (TSB)
  
  Description
  As part of a £21.5m programme in Regenerative Medicine, the Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £2m in collaborative research and development feasibility projects in the area of regenerative medicine tools and technologies.
  
  Our aim is to help establish projects and future collaborations that will participate in larger initiatives in regenerative medicine to be run jointly in 2011 by the Technology Strategy Board, the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
  
  Projects must be collaborative and led by a business, and proposals must clearly state the benefits to business. Project outputs must be either a technology or an application demonstrator, to be presented in a report and a formal presentation.
  
  Challenge: To explore the feasibility of developing platform tools and technologies to overcome key development challenges in safety and efficacy testing, and the manufacturing of regenerative medicine therapeutics.
  
  Contact details
  Website: www.innovateuk.org
  Email: competitions@tsb.gov.uk  
  Call: 0300 321 4357