Do you run a small, innovative business interested in making it as a public sector supplier? SBRI could provide the pathway for you to make a real difference to citizens and work with the public sector in Northern Ireland.
Matrix has just launched a new feature on its website dedicated to showcasing the latest Small Business Research Initiatives (SBRI), the government backed procurement system focussed on finding innovative solutions to pressing issues encountered by public sector bodies.
SBRI is an approach that allows the public sector to take risk in a managed environment that can drive disruptive innovation. This pre-commercial procurement process of research and development helps to fulfil unmet needs and address the challenges of the Programme for Government and wider government strategy.
The initiative gives public sector buyers the opportunity to work with companies who would not traditionally be government suppliers; typically small start-ups or other technology companies. It allows a co-creation environment where government can work with stakeholders, citizens and suppliers to develop smart, innovative solutions to serve the public need.
SBRI projects can be funded by any public body in the UK, however in Northern Ireland we have the additional benefit of the SBRI Challenge Fund which seeks bids from across the NI Public Sector to potentially fund up to 100% of project costs.
The new hub, SBRI|ni features the latest SBRI competitions (alongside other funding competitions), case studies of completed SBRI projects as well as guidance for businesses and the public sector.
You can visit the hub now at http://matrixni.org/sbri/.