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Appraisal Process
We will need to be satisfied that both the applicant and the project are financially viable, so will carry out a full financial assessment of both. This will also ascertain whether our 'Additionality' criteria is met (i.e. the need for grant) and analyse the project expenditure. We will also investigate any strategic or operational requirement for public sector support.
Our assessment will focus on whether the project is technically viable and we will consult with our Technical Panel (consisting of leading UK technical specialists, details below) to ascertain the feasibility of your proposal, if we are considering supporting your application.
To confirm the level of innovation, in conjunction with our Technical Panel advice, we may also obtain a full report from the Patent Office to confirm the level of innovation and potential exploitation of Intellectual Property. Where a report has been completed, we will provide this to the applicant, irrespective of whether the applicant is successful.
We will assess the technical risks and challenges associated with the project and market factors and influence associated with it and whether there are clear exploitation routes to the commercial market at the end of the project. We will also assess whether the management capabilities and experience are sufficient to successfully complete the project and fully exploit the product to commercialisation.
Technical Panel
To help assess your proposal, your application may be referred to Government Departments, regulatory bodies/agencies or outside organisations (such as the National Computing Centre, Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and so on) that have sources of technical expertise. We have agreements with technical advisors which will make sure your proposal remains confidential.
A list of advisors is below. If you do not want us to get advice from one or more of these organisations, you must let us know when you submit your project application. If a suitable alternative cannot be found we may ask you to help identify another competent and recognised organisation. In such cases we will take steps to ensure your proposal is kept strictly confidential.
- BioLauncher Ltd (www.biolauncher.com)
- Building Research Establishment (www.bre.co.uk)
- C-Tech Innovation Ltd (www.ctechinnovation.com)
- Ceram Ltd (www.ceram.com)
- EA Technology (www.eatechnology.com)
- Fraser-Nash Consultancy Ltd (www.fric.co.uk)
- Glass Technology Services Ltd (www.glass-ts.com)
- Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (www.iom3.org)
- IOM Communications Ltd (www.iom3.org.uk)
- Ithaka Life Services Ltd (www.ithaka.co.uk)
- Knowledge House (www.knowledgehouse.ac.uk)
- LGC Limited (www.lgc.co.uk)
- Lucid Group Ltd (www.lucidgroup.com)
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency (www.mcga.gov.uk)
- Materials Engineering Research Laboratory (MERL) (www.merl-ltd.co.uk)
- NAMTEC (National Metals Technology Centre) (www.namtec.co.uk)
- NaREC (www.narec.co.uk)
- National Physical Laboratory (www.npl.co.uk)
- National Measurement Office (NMO) (www.nmo.dius.gov.uk)
- NCC Group Ltd (www.nccgroup.com)
- NEL TUV Ltd (www.tuvps.co.uk) (www.tuvnel.com)
- Oakdene Hollins Ltd (www.oakdenehollins.co.uk)
- Pera Innovation Ltd (www.pera.com)
- Quantum Insights (www.qinsights.com)
- Quantum Strategy & Technology Ltd (www.quantumst.co.uk)
- Quotec Ltd (www.quotec.co.uk)
- Sagentia Ltd (www.sagentia.com)
- Targeting Innovation Ltd (www.targetinginnovation.com)
- Transport Research Laboratory (www.trl.co.uk)
- University of Central Lancashire (www.uclan.ac.uk)
- Urban Mines Ltd (www.urbanmines.org.uk)
- UXL Ltd (www.uxl-ltd.co.uk)
