Funding: innovation in response to pandemic

Innovate UK has launched a funding competition awarding 100% of project costs up to a maximum of £50,000.

The aim of the competition is to support UK businesses to focus on emerging or increasing needs of society and industries during and following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Applications must demonstrate both realistic and significant benefits for society (including communities, families and individuals) or an industry that has been severely impacted and/or permanently disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Proposals must focus on a clear need and the proposed innovation to address it. Businesses must have the ability to deliver the project during the working restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The key headlines at this point are:

• Competition opened 3 April
• 100% funding/ intervention rate at £50k per project
• Full funding upfront, in advance of project start date
• Project length 3-6 months
• Funding cannot be used for sustainability of a business
• Sole traders will not be eligible

More details, including registration, are available here.

NB Registration closes at 12:00 on 17 April 2020.