Innovation, research and development grants

Grant for Research and Development

The Grant for Research and Development is a Solutions for Business product which can help you introduce technological innovation in your business. This grant provides finance to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in England to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

There are five different types of project that a grant can be awarded for and each requires the applicant to make their own contribution to the project costs:

• Proof of Market grants to test the commercial potential of an innovative idea for a new technology. A grant of up to £20,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 250 employees.
• Micro projects are simple, low-cost development projects lasting no longer than 12 months. A grant of up to £20,000 is available to businesses with fewer than ten employees.
• Research projects aim to investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of innovative technology and last six to 18 months. A grant of up to £100,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
• Development projects aim to develop a pre-production prototype of a new product or process that involves a significant technological advance. Projects take six to 36 months. A grant of up to £250,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 250 employees.
• Exceptional development projects involve a significant technological advance and are strategically important for a particular technology or industrial sector. Projects take six to 36 months. A negotiable grant of up to £500,000 is available to businesses with a qualifying project.

The Grant for Research and Development is administered by the nine English Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). You should contact your RDA to establish any closing dates for applications in your region. Find contact details for your nearest RDA on the English RDA website - Opens in a new window.

Research and development (R&D) grants in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Businesses in Scotland can find out about R&D and innovation grants on the Scottish Business Grants website - Opens in a new window.

Businesses in Wales can find information about funding for R&D on the Welsh Assembly Government website - Opens in a new window.

Businesses in Northern Ireland can find information about grants for R&D on the Invest Northern Ireland website - Opens in a new window.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• The different sources of government funding
• Grant for Research and Development
• The EU Framework Programme
• EUREKAu
• Collaborative research and development
• Innovation Vouchers
• Other sources of funding

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