Innovate UK is to invest up to £3 million in feasibility studies to stimulate innovation across four enabling technology areas that underpin future UK growth.
The areas are advanced materials, biosciences, electronics, sensors and photonics and information and communication technology (ICT).
The aim of this competition is to ensure that small and micro businesses in the UK are well positioned to respond to market opportunities across a range of economic sectors.
Studies must be led by a business. Projects are open to companies of any size, but must be led by a small or micro company, working in collaboration with one or more business or research partners.
Small or micro businesses could receive up to 70% of their eligible project costs, medium-sized businesses 60% and large businesses 50%.
Projects are expected to last 6 to 15 months and to range in size from total costs of £50,000 to £150,000, although projects outside this range will also be considered.
The deadline for applications is at noon on 9 September 2015. There will be a competition information event in Edinburgh on 16 July covering the areas of the competition, an overview on applications, and feature brief presentations from companies who have participated in previous TII calls. The event will start with a networking lunch and will have further networking breaks to enable conversations and hopeful collaborations.