£8million confirmed available for R&D projects in support of marine vessel efficiency
The Technology Strategy Board has confirmed that, with additional funding from DSTL and Scottish Enterprise, they are launching an £8million competition for fast track and collaborative R&D projects related to Marine Vessel Efficiency.
They are looking for UK businesses - from inside and outside the industry - to develop solutions covering many aspects of efficiency in existing and future ships, boats, submarines, and their associated equipment and systems.
They seek innovative proposals that address the issues of improving current vessel performance and efficiency, but at the same time attract projects for future vessel design, coatings and propulsion systems.
The competition is also aiming to build collaboration across the maritime and marine industry, and develop UK-based supply chains and SMEs to underpin a national Strategy for Growth.
This competition, as with other Technology Strategy Board competitions, is aimed at stimulating innovation throughout the supply chains, and applications from SMEs and micro organisations are actively encourthe aged. Growth potential is significant throughout the supply chains in the industry, including naval, leisure, commercial and support for offshore renewables sector.
Full details can be found by following the link:
https://connect.innovateuk.org/c/document_library/get_file?p_l_id=9533509&folderId=9533958&name=DLFE-112497.pdf
The competition opens for expressions of interest on January 14th 2013.
What sort of innovation is being encouraged?
* light weighting and smart materials (e.g. light weight, composite materials; low-friction and antifouling coatings; self healing and nano-materials; embedded sensors);
* positioning, communications, navigation and ICT (e.g. voyage and navigation management, HCI for decision support; autonomous systems; satellite and telecoms);
* green ship technologies (e.g. next generation vessel propulsion; thermal management systems; emissions management; alternative fuels);
* vessel design and engineering (e.g. vessel hydrodynamics; advanced manufacturing processes; retro-fitting and modifications to existing assets; through-life energy-efficient design).
Fast Track
Around 10% of the budget is allocated to Fast Track projects, expected to last 6-12 months, with a total project value of £200k to £500k each. Fast Track applications will be assessed immediately after the EOI stage closes. You will need to have your consortia in place and a very clear idea of what you want to do and what your project will achieve.
Collaborative
Larger collaborative projects with project values in the range £250k to £3M, are expected to last 1-3 years. You do not have to have your full consortia finalised for the EOI stage, and the KTN can help you find partners if you need certain capabilities in order to complete your consortium. Please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.
Funding Ratios
Funding will be at 60% funding for small companies and 50% for large companies.
Key dates:
Competition opens: 14 January 2013
Briefing event: 22 January 2013
Registration deadline: 20 February 2013 noon
Expressions of interest (EOI) deadline: 27 February 2013 noon
Stage 2 opens for invited applicants: 18 March 2013
Deadline for invited applications: 1 May 2013 noon
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