EPSRC Collaboration Fund 23 June 2010 Sam Decombel Finance South East

Collaboration Fund: What is it? £2 million grant fund Financed by EPSRC, managed by Finance South East Grants of up to £100,000 (80% FEC applies) 12 month projects (18 months exceptionally)

Eligibility Open to academics in UK based organisations eligible to hold Research Council grants Proposals should draw substantially on the outputs of research that EPSRC has previously supported through standard research grants Must be working with at least one collaborating partner Collaborating partner is a UK based organisation that will add value in terms of aiding the commercial exploitation of the innovation

Intellectual Property Rights The applicant university must own all, or at least a significant proportion of, the background IP that is essential to the success of the project

Activities supported Developing a prototype Undertaking trials and testing Technical development that will offer a competitive edge or improve points of differentiation Incorporation of the technology into an existing product, service or process Market research Assessment of competing technologies Product demonstrations to potential customers or evaluation of the technology by potential end users

Activities not supported ‘Blue sky’ research Applied research for companies Associated Intellectual Property Costs Purchase of larger equipment and capital

Aims of the Fund To support the transition of research previously financed by the EPSRC into viable commercial applications Enhance academic engagement with companies and industry To facilitate economic, social and environmental impact at the highest level Aims are achieved through close collaboration of the UK research organisation with a commercial partner throughout the length of the project

Post-award project support FSE will match every successful applicant with a suitable commercial mentor on a per project basis Mentors provide unbiased independent support to help the project team move their proposition to the next stage FSE mentors are highly experienced professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds ½ day support for each month project lasts Two different methods of mentoring are being trialled for pilot scheme

The Application Process Call for Proposals –Call 5 opens 5 th July; closes 30 th July –Call 6 opens 8 th Nov; closes 3 rd Dec Submission of Expression of Interest –3-4 week decision process Invite to full application stage –4 weeks to complete full application Investment Panel decisions announced –3 months to submit signed collaboration agreement Formal award made by EPSRC

Commercial potential of the idea exploitation prospects/ strategy Product differentiation/ clear USPs Significant target market and growth prospects Evidence of market pull Barriers to entry Technical risk assessment/ project viability Added value of collaboration Commitment from partner; financial, resources and/or time Economic, social and environmental impact Project outcomes within 12 months from project completion What are we looking for?

Collaboration Fund: to date 4 Calls for Proposals 124 Expressions of Interest received 39 Full Applications invited 15 awards made

Collaboration Fund Contact: Sam Decombel Finance South East