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BBSRC Small Business Research Initiative
What is it?
The BBSRC provides over £200m of funding per year to scientists working in UK universities and in the eight BBSRC-sponsored research institutes. BBSRC's funding supports over 7000 scientists, postgraduate students and support staff in the UK. However, the BBSRC also supports research and development in SMEs through its Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI). The SBRI is intended to encourage more high-tech small firms to start up or develop new research capacities.
Who can apply?
Preference will be given to companies which have a proven record of working in partnership with researchers in universities and Research Council Institutes and the capability to turn research outputs into new products/processes. It is expected that the SBRI scheme will be particularly attractive to SMEs and start-ups. University Technology Transfer companies and analogous organisations may tender on behalf of academics wishing to start up new companies stemming from Research Council funded research. Under SBRI the limits in university holdings in a spin-out company do not apply. Therefore, the university can hold up to a 100% share in the spin out. Large companies are not excluded from SBRI, however, they would need to demonstrate that the funding would not be otherwise available.
How much does the company pay?
Contracts are likely to be in the region of £100-£200k and are expected to be completed within three years or less.
When can you apply?
BBSRC is pleased to announce the fifth call for tenders under the Small Business
Research Initiative (SBRI) and it is intended to procure up to £2.3M under this call. Contracts awarded will be in the range of £100-£200K over 18 months
The R&D proposed must fall within BBSRC's science remit. Examples of science areas can be found on their website.
Closing date for tenders is 23rd September 2005
Further details
BBSRC Business and Innovation Unit
Tel: 01793 413275
Email: business.unit@bbsrc.ac.uk
• www.bbsrc.ac.uk/business/sbri/Welcome.html
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