Future research funding opportunities

Technology Strategy Board (UK only)

Smart Programme:

Smart is a Technology Strategy Board scheme offering funding to single UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to engage in R&D projects in the strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology, from which successful new products, processes and services could emerge.

The Smart scheme will support R&D projects which offer potentially significant rewards and could stimulate UK economic growth. In contrast to the Collaborative R&D programme, Smart funding is available to single companies.

Three types of grant are available:

• Proof of market
• Proof of concept
• Development of prototype

European research funding

Eurostars Programme:

Eurostars Programme is a European Joint Programme dedicated to the R&D performing SMEs, and co-funded by the European Communities and 33 EUREKA member countries.

Eurostars aims to stimulate these SMEs to lead international collaborative research and innovation projects by easing access to support and funding. It is fine-tuned to focus on the needs of SMEs, and specifically targets the development of new products, processes and services and the access to transnational and international markets.

Average project profile:

• 3 to 4 Participants
• 2 to 3 Countries involvedt
• 29 Months
• 1.4 M€

Horizon 2020 (FP8), Research for SMEs:

Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness. Running from 2014 to 2020 with an €80 billion budget, the EU’s new programme for research and innovation is part of the drive to create new growth and jobs in Europe.

Timeline:

• From 30/11: Parliament and Council negotiations on the basis of the Commission proposals
• On-going: Parliament and Council negotiations on EU budget 2014-20 (including overall budget for Horizon 2020)
• Mid 2012: Final calls under 7th Framework Programme for Research to bridge gap towards Horizon 2020
• By end 2013: Adoption of legislative acts by Parliament and Council on Horizon 2020
• 1/1/2014: Horizon 2020 starts; launch of first calls