Grant
The Grant for Research and Development is a Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) business support initiative which provides funding to help individuals and small and medium-sized businesses research and develop technologically innovative products and processes. The grants are discretionary and the South West of England Regional Development Agency will draw on the advice of independent technical specialists and internal expertise to appraise applications and decide which projects can receive funding.
Available funding
The South West of England Regional Development Agency is currently supporting four types of projects:
- Micro Projects are small scale development projects lasting no longer than 12 months. The output should be a simple prototype of a novel or innovative product or process. A grant of 45% of project costs between £5,000 - £20,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
- Research Projects typically involve planned research or critical investigation into the feasibility of new products or processes, lasting between 6 and 18 months. The result of the project could be new scientific or technical knowledge that may be commercially exploited. Grants of between £20,000 - £100,000 are available for businesses with fewer than 50 employees covering 60% of eligible costs.
- Development Projects involve the shaping of industrial research into a plan or design (such as a pre-production prototype) of a technologically innovative product or industrial process. Support from £20,000 to £250,000 can be offered to businesses with fewer than 250 employees covering 35% of eligible costs.
- Exceptional Projects involve technology developments which have higher costs, but can demonstrate that they will have a major effect on the performance of UK industry. These projects are likely to generate much wider economic benefits and must have strategic importance for a technology or industrial sector. Grants of £250,000 - £500,000 can be offered to businesses with fewer than 250 employees covering 35% of eligible costs.
How to Apply
In the first instance you should contact your local Business Link. Business Link advisers hold up to date information about the application process and will also be able to provide guidance in developing your project plan and investigating other opportunities for funding and investment.
Grant for Research and Development is managed by the SWRDA’s Technology Transfer Team. The team is responsible for appraising new applications, paying grant claims and monitoring the progress of successful projects. Prospective projects are subjected to detailed internal and external appraisal of technical, financial and strategic aspects of the proposal, so SWRDA can make clear and informed decisions on which projects can receive funding. Where this process involves protracted correspondence to obtain further information from the applicant the decision may take up to 90 working days. Applicants should anticipate this time scale when submitting an application.
Application Documents can be downloaded from Grant for R&D on the South West RDA website.