Funding
There are a number of government-sponsored funding schemes that enable companies to develop innovative products and services. Many of these schemes are aimed at encouraging businesses to collaborate with each other or with the knowledge base (universities and research institutes). The majority of UK programmes are run through the Technology Strategy Board (TSB).
This page will be updated with funding opportunities as they are launched. Please check back regularly.
National Space Technology Programme
In the 2011 Budget, the government announced £10m had been allocated to the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to implement a National Space Technology Programme (NSTP). The UKSA has developed a delivery plan for the programme.
Space for Growth Competition
The UKSA, TSB and SEEDA are jointly funding the NSTP Space for Growth Collaborative Research and Development Competition which launched in October 2011. The competition will support projects in line with the R&D priorities for the UK space industry outlined in the Innovation & Growth Strategy and its associated technology roadmaps.
The competition is focused on projects that:
- Help organisations to access other public/private funding where this is required for further development
- Accelerate the development of innovative commercial technologies for space
- Lead to new services that exploit data gained from space-based systems
- Lead on to identifiable commercial opportunities or will position UK
Grants are typically for 50% of project costs and there is a fast-track process for projects requesting up to £100K and a two-stage process for larger flagship projects (up to £2m grants). More detailed guidance and key dates are outlined in the competition guidelines.
European Funding
The European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) provides grants for R&D in specific areas. Within each member state, a network of National Contact Points (NCP) exists as the main provider of advice and individual assistance. The UK’s NCP for Space is Robert Lowson.
Grant for Research & Development
Offers funding to 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 scheme has a focus on projects which offer potentially significant rewards and could stimulate UK economic growth. Grants for R&D funding are available to single companies. Further details about SMART grants from the Technology Strategy Board.
Any UK SME working in any sector may apply; applications are accepted on a rolling basis for assessment by independent experts. Grant for R&D is a UK-wide scheme, replacing the scheme previously offered in England by the Regional Development Agencies. The scheme works alongside existing programmes that remain available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) (formerly Teaching Company Scheme, TCS)
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) supports UK businesses wanting to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance by accessing the knowledge and expertise available within UK Universities and Colleges.
A KTP is based upon a relationship formed between a company and an academic institution (‘Knowledge Base’ partner), which facilitates the transfer of knowledge, technology and skills to the company. Each partnership employs one or more recently qualified people (known as an Associate) to work in a company on a project of strategic importance to the business, whilst also being supervised by the Knowledge Base Partner. Projects vary in length between 12 and 36 months. Further information can be found on the KTP website.
Innovation Funding – Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
In addition to the UK-wide schemes mentioned above, the Devolved Administrations also provide support for businesses located in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Information about individual schemes may be found at: