8 August 2016

R&D Initiative Launched Offering £35,000 to SMEs

A new funded R&D Programme for SMEs to the value of £35,000 has been launched by the Manufacturing Technology Centre and IET to help an SME develop its existing technology solution from design to commercialisation.

A new funded R&D Programme for SMEs to the value of £35,000 has been launched by the Manufacturing Technology Centre and IET to help an SME develop its existing technology solution from design to commercialisation.

About the programme

As the UK healthcare sector is an area that can greatly benefit from technology development in other sectors, the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a Horizontal Innovation Programme which will support a UK technology business in solving some of the current NHS challenges.

The MTC, working together with the IET, are offering one SME the opportunity to have access to our state of the art manufacturing centre in Coventry to develop and adapt an existing technology (owned by the SME) for commercialisation in the healthcare sector.*

Once accepted on the programme, the SME will gain access to the MTC’s flexible factory capabilities and use some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world, as well as receiving support in business planning, product design, IP protection and engineering expertise.

*The programme will be funded 100 per cent by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the successful applicant will receive support from the MTC up to the value of £35,000. The programme will run from 17th October 2016 to 1st March 2017

The Horizontal Innovation Programme for SMEs forms part of the IET’s Horizontal Innovation initiative

How to apply

Interested SMEs are required to submit a proposal that demonstrates a technology solution in the healthcare sector, in particular a product that will solve an NHS challenge within Emergency Care-critical Care and Intensive Care Units. The proposal should aim to solve a real-life issue within NHS patient care, which could include anything from initial patient transportation through to recovery. (More information here).

The proposals will be reviewed by a panel comprising of both MTC and IET representatives and the successful and unsuccessful SMEs informed via email on 7th October 2016.

See full application process and criteria

Timings

Applications can be submitted from 22nd August 2016 to close on 30th September 2016 00:00 BST.

The Horizontal Innovation Programme at the MTC will run from 17th October 2016 to 1st March 2017.

Benefits of entering the programme

Smaller businesses often come across barriers and challenges at the product development stage: lack of funds, expertise, business processes and technologies. This programme will allow your business to gain access to highly skilled engineers and some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world enabling you to develop and demonstrate a technology solution on an industrial scale.

Furthermore, the successful applicant will become part of the IET’s high profile Horizontal Innovation initiative which could lead to new business opportunities through:

  • Company exposure
    Your company and the technology solution you are developing will be published as a case study by the IET on its website, which is accessible to thousands of engineers, companies and academic institutions worldwide.
  • Meet new business contacts in other sectors
    You could enjoy new networking opportunities with colleagues and prospective business partners across multiple sectors within industry, academia and government who are looking to engage in technology transfer opportunities within industry.
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