Government to provide funding for groundbreaking innovations

Applications open today for projects to bid for up to £50,000 early-stage funding to develop their ideas and will then go on to develop full stage bids that could see between £10 million and £50 million awarded to the strongest candidates.

Funding comes from the Strength in Places Fund, announced in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy, to help local areas build on their research and innovation strengths and grow local expert networks.

Science and Innovation Minister Chris Skidmore said: “From the booming satellite industry, to becoming global leaders in clean energy development, inspirational science and research is happening in every part of the UK.

“With only 0.9% of the world’s population and the UK boasting 6% of global research publications, we are committed to building on our world-leading reputation. The Strength in Places Fund is part of our modern Industrial Strategy, ensuring places across the UK have the opportunity to develop their science, research and innovation capabilities and create the high-skilled jobs of the future.”

The £236 million Strength in Places Fund, a flagship fund delivered by UK Research and Innovation, brings together research organisations, businesses, and local authorities on projects that will boost the highly-skilled, highly-paid jobs of the future and grow the local economy.

UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport said:

“Our vision is to ensure people right across the country benefit from the UK’s world-leading research and innovation. The Strength in Places Fund will bring together research organisations, business and local leadership to create ambitious projects that will deliver local economic growth and create high-value jobs.”