SMART (Grant for Research and Develeopment)

What is it?

Grant for Research and Development is the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) initiative that provides grants to help individuals and small and medium-sized businesses to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

This product replaces the Smart scheme which formally closed to applications on 31 August 2003.

The scheme includes a new suite of four grants designed to support projects demonstrating technical innovation, technical risk and market potential.

Who can apply?

The Grant for Research and Development is available to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses that wish to develop technologically innovative products and processes.

How much does the company pay?

The four levels of funding which are available under the new scheme include:

• Micro project- up to £20,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months to develope simple innovative products and processes to the point where they are ready for commercial exploitation.

• Research projects - up to £75,000 for research projects between 6-18 months to prove the technical feasibility of a novel product or process.

• Development projects- up to £200,000 to develop a proven product or process concept to a point where it is ready for commercial exploitation.

• Exceptional development projects- up to £500,000 for high cost projects with a high level of innovation and strong world market potential, offering positive strategic impact on the relevant industrial sector.

When can you apply?

The Grant for Research and Development is not a competition, therefore, there are no deadlines for applications to be submitted.

Further details

For further information contact:

Business Link South Yorkshire
Kath Jagger, Sector Manager for Bioscience and Environment

Tel: 0800 0737474 or 0114 201 2500

• www.businesslink.org/r-d/