CHAP consortium building workshop a hit with members

CHAP Innovation Director Dr Ruth Bastow chaired the event and gave an overview on how CHAP can support members applying for the DEFRA partnership call and other future funding calls. With our unique agri-ecosystem of leading scientists, growers and businesses, Dr Bastow discussed how we can build collaborative project consortia within our membership and how our capabilities can support those projects.

Next to speak was Dr Pedro Carvalho, Knowledge Transfer manager from the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN). Dr Carvalho specialises in supporting plant and crop production companies and research organisations to access public and private funding. He presented his insights into the partnership call, including the differences between the feasibility and Small R&D partnership calls, how the bid has to be structured, which businesses could apply and who they should involve, along with looking at the structure of the questions and their relative weighting. He also spoke about how the KTN connects innovators and gave further insight into its process for accelerating ambitious project ideas.

After a short break Tom Kennard, director for Granted Consultancy, a specialist grant consultancy firm, spoke about the bidding process and how to develop a grant-fundable project. He gave valuable insight into the benefits of applying, the funding journey, where to find funders and tips on how to plan for a successful project.

After a short Q&A delegates had the opportunity to expand their network and form collaborative project consortia during interactive breakout sessions. CHAP members also booked one-to-one sessions with experts from CHAP’s Innovation Team, which allowed them to discuss potential project ideas in confidence.

If you want to learn more about CHAP membership, please send us an email using the enquiries form at the bottom of our homepage.