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Sustainable Innovation Fund

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £10 million for new projects focusing on sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19. COVID-19 has affected R&D across all sectors, and the competition aim is to help all sectors of the UK recover, grow and create new opportunities from the aftermath of the global health pandemic. Round 3 Deadline: 30 September 2020

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Summary

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £10 million for new projects focusing on sustainable economic recovery from COVID-19. COVID-19 has affected R&D across all sectors, and the competition aim is to help all sectors of the UK recover, grow and create new opportunities from the aftermath of the global health pandemic.

Round 3 Dates

  • Competition closes: 30 September 2020, 11am
  • Applicants notified: 06 November 2020
  • Project start date & duration: 01 January 2021, up to 3 months

Scope

Proposals must:

  • show evidence of key challenges as a direct consequence of COVID-19, and how you will help to solve them;
  • consider the impact on climate change and/or environmental sustainability;
  • address equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to your project, your organisation(s) and your approach to innovation.

A portfolio of projects  across a variety of technologies, markets, regions, technological maturities and research categories (Industrial Research/Experimental Development), will be funded including the themes listed below.

Specific Themes

  • decarbonisation, circular economy and/or biodiversity
  • climate change and environmental sustainability
  • geographic or regionally-targeted innovation
  • innovation that is aimed at commercial or residential users
  • innovations that work across more than one sector
  • follow-on international opportunities that help the UK lead the world

Projects that will not be funded

  • are not related to an impact on a business due to Covid-19 disruption
  • have a negative impact on the environment and/or society
  • have a detrimental effect on equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • would duplicate other UK Government activities or EU-funded initiatives already underway
  • do not involve any research and development or innovation, e.g., the creation of information-only websites
  • involve primary production in fishery and aquaculture
  • involve primary production in agriculture
  • are not allowed under de minimis regulation restrictions

Eligibility

  • State aid funding rules apply (COVID-19 Temporary Framework for the UK);
  • Projects can be single or collaborative involve at least one SME;
  • Projects must be led by a UK registered business, of any size;
  • Project work must be carried out in the UK under the current restrictions of COVID-19;
  • Intend to exploit the results from/in the UK;
  • Subcontractors can be from anywhere in the UK/EEA;
  • Academic institutions/RTOs cannot lead or work alone but can be subcontractors.

Funding Rates

  • There is no minimum or maximum limit on total project costs;
  • 80% funding is available up to a maximum of £175,000 for each organisation working alone or in a collaboration;
  • Research organisations in your consortium can share up to 30% of the total eligible projects costs;
  • £50,000 as an advance payment to be taken off subsequent cost claims.

Need help?

Please contact us for further information on the funding scheme, to discuss a project or how we can support you with an application.

More details and other funding opportunities from Innovate UK can be viewed here.

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