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Frequently asked questions regarding Grant for Research and Development Products
Click on the questions to reveal the answers
- How do I apply?
- You will need to submit a full application and supporting documentation, including accounts, any Patent Office searches, evidence of funding or support.
We recommend contacting your local Business Link www.businesslink.gov.uk grant adviser who can offer advice on whether your project is likely to be eligible for support and assist with the application process.
Contact details of Grant for R&D specialist advisers within the South East region are as follows:
- How long does the decision process take?
- We aim to make a decision within 30 working days of receiving a full application for Micro projects, 45 days for Research projects and 60 days for Development projects. Our appraisal process includes a thorough analysis of your project, these timings apply from receipt of full information and supporting documentation requested.
- What grants are available?
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There are four types of Grants available:
Micro Project
The development of a low-cost prototype involving an innovative product or process. The result of which will be ready for commercialization (i.e. licensing, selling or manufacture).
- Available to Micro firms only (<10 employees; group turnover or balance sheet <€2m)
- Grant award: 45% of eligible costs
- Minimum award: £5,000
- Maximum award: £20,000
- Maximum period: Less than 12 months
Research Project
Planned feasibility study into the technological and commercial potential of turning highly innovative technology into a new scientific/technical knowledge product or process useful for developing an early bench-top or experimental working model (not pre-production prototype).
- Available to Small Firms only (<50 employees; group turnover or balance sheet < €10m)
- Grant award: 60% of eligible costs
- Minimum award: £20,000
- Maximum award: £100,000
- Maximum period: 6 to 18 months
Development Project
Shaping industrial research and developing a pre-production prototype which has significant technological advance in a new product or process for commercial use.
- Available to all SMEs (<250 employees)
- Grant award: 35% of eligible costs
- Minimum award: £20,000
- Maximum award: £250,000
- Maximum period: 6 to 36 months
Exceptional Development Project
The development of a new technology and pre-production prototype which is strategically important, providing a major technological advance to an industrial or technology sector (or across both) which will also increase productivity and sustainable development.
Exceptional projects need to be more than just a larger development project and are likely to have a major effect on our quality of life and/or create significant benefits for society at large.
- Available to all SMEs (<250 employees)
- Grant award: 35% of eligible costs
- Maximum award: £500,000
- Maximum period: 6 to 36 months
- Is my project eligible?
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The main criteria for eligibility is detailed below:
The project should offer a high level of 'innovation' and fit the criteria for each product category.
Applicants must be either a micro, small or medium-sized enterprise, relevant to the grant type and meet the Independence Criteria
There must be a 'need' for public sector grant support and other financing sought.
The project must be viable, with focus on exploitation routes to commercialization.
Most technologies are acceptable except defence.
- What will SEEDA focus on?
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Our focus will be on supporting those projects successfully demonstrating a high level of 'innovation' and sustainable technology, offering quality and value for public investment, in addition to the following:
- We will need to be satisfied that both the applicant and the project are financially viable, so will carry out a full financial assessment of both. This will also ascertain whether our 'Additionality' criteria is met (i.e. the need for grant) and analyse the project expenditure. We will also investigate any strategic or operational requirement for public sector support.
- Our assessment will focus on whether the project is technically viable and we will consult with our Technical Panel (consisting of leading UK technical specialists) to ascertain the feasibility of your proposal, if we are considering supporting your application.
- To confirm the level of innovation, in conjunction with our Technical Panel advice, we may also obtain a full report from the Patent Office to confirm the level of innovation and potential exploitation of Intellectual Property.
- We will assess the technical risks and challenges associated with the project and market factors and influence associated with it and whether there are clear exploitation routes to the commercial market at the end of the project.
- We will assess whether the management capabilities and experience are sufficient to successfully complete the project.
- How is grant paid?
- Grant is paid against eligible expenditure defrayed on the project, usually on submission of a claim form at the end of each quarter, in addition to a project update.
Grant will not be paid on any expenditure made prior to the agreed start date or receipt of an accepted Offer Letter.
We will only pay a maximum of 85% of our award until we are satisfied that the project has been fully completed.
No upfront payment is made other than 'Research' where 20% (or a maximum of £15,000) is available on an agreed start date.
- What happens on project completion?
- Your project will continue to be monitored for at least 5 years.
Without SEEDA's permission, manufacturing of products/services benefiting from Grant for R&D is not permitted outside the European Economic Area for at least 5 years from the last payment.
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