Information for Public Sector

Who can apply for SBRI funding?

Any public sector organisation (department, ALB, local authority) may apply for SBRI funding. Projects will only be funded where there is a demonstrable need for an innovative solution or product, and where there is no suitable product or solution already available on the market.

How to apply

DfE will contact all departments in December/January each year inviting applications for funding. Alternatively, you can complete an expression of interest form.

Download an SBRI Expression of Interest Form

How it works

Watch how the Department for Infrastructure ran an SBRI to tackle potholes:

STEP 1: The Challenge

The Department of Infrastructure has a problem with potholes. They are expensive to fix and cause damage to cars, so it’s an issue the public are very aware of.

The Department wanted to find a way of detecting potholes before they become an issue. The earlier potholes are detected, the more cheaply they can be fixed, and with less risk of damage to cars.

They secured funding to run an SBRI, asking companies to pitch solutions using innovative applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.

They held an information event to allow suppliers to hear from Digital Catapult and DfI Highways staff and to learn more about the SBRI challenge and how to bid.

STEP 2: The Ideas

A number of companies were chosen to receive funding to develop their solutions further. In this video, they explain how they plan to tackle the big road challenge.

This part of the project allows the companies to update the Department of Infrastructure on their progress to date and to let them know if they need more datasets or other information to complete the project.

At this stage, the solutions fall into two broad groups – those using sensors and those using data capture.

STEP 3: The Results

The suppliers demonstrate their solutions to the Department of Infrastructure. A total of four companies were successful in Phase 1.

The department now has four very different potential solutions to the problem of detecting potholes early enough to keep the cost of repairs low, while the companies have learned about the data they need in order to develop their solution.

By setting a challenge rather than asking for a particular solution, the department has enabled small, innovative companies to demonstrate what could be achieved within a short space of time. In Phase 2, the department will fund further development of one or two of the Phase 1 solutions.