The Knowledge Transfer Network has launched a new SPARK Award call. Ten grants are available for innovative projects between a research partner (university or research technology organisation) and SME in agri-food and industrial biotech.
The deadline to submit applications for this call is midnight, November 1st, 2019.
SPARK Awards are intended to help resource small confidence building measures between an SME and a research based partner. The aim is to encourage new collaborations which could lead to a longer-term relationship. Collaborations can comprise almost any defined piece of work by the research partner for the industrial partner, such as a student project, data analysis, technical consultancy, a feasibility study or literature review.
The grant value is £10,000 (+any applicable VAT), payable directly to the research partner (in arrears). The SME partner contribution to the project is normally expected to be at least equivalent in value to the £10,000 grant, as a cash and/or in-kind contribution.
Areas within scope for the Plants and Crops sector are:
The scheme can be used to gather evidence for a bigger funding application, for instance, or do a feasibility study. It can be a good starting point in establishing a longer-term relationship and progressing to more substantial grants.
More details and application docs: https://ktn-uk.co.uk/news/ktn-spark-awards-2019
Experience has shown that these awards result in improved interaction, and new research and technology transfer projects.
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