Events in Physics
Innovate UK, under the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, invites applications for its first round of commercialising quantum technology – feasibility and industrial research projects call. This enables businesses to lead innovation projects that advance the commercialisation of quantum technologies in the UK. Projects must address connectivity, situational awareness or computing challenges within the field. They must also exploit second generation quantum techniques and demonstrate how technology will contribute towards the commercialisation of quantum technologies in or from the UK. Projects that do the following are particularly encouraged:
鈥nvolve consortia that span the supply chain of component suppliers, system integrators and end-user business;
鈥ocus on maximising UK return from the quantum technology research undertaken by the UK academic base;
鈥ring significant new investment and business into the UK鈥檚 growing quantum technologies sector;
鈥evelop the quantum computing industry sector in the UK.
Project must be led by a UK-based business of any size and involve at least one SME. They must carry out the project work in the UK and intend to exploit the results from or in the UK. Research organisations cannot lead or work alone. Any UK business claiming funding must be eligible to receive state aid. Applications can be single or collaborative. Collaborators must be UK-based businesses, academic institutions, charities, public sector organisations or research and technology organisations. Projects can include partners that are not eligible to receive funding.
The total budget is 拢6 million to support projects with total eligible costs of less than 拢500,000 or market research projects with costs of less than 拢50,000, and lasting between six and 18 months. For feasibility studies and industrial research projects, applicants can request funding for eligible costs of up to 70 per cent for micro and small businesses, up to 60 per cent for medium-sized businesses and up to 50 per cent for large businesses. Projects must start on or before April 2020.