Exceptional Grants
In exceptional cases, larger grants may be available to support projects that are strategically important to an industrial or technology sector. An Exceptional Project will have a major effect on the overall performance of an industry (and, ideally, across industrial sectors) in terms of the way it works, increasing its productivity or its sustainable development.
Projects are likely to have a significant impact on the UK’s competitive position and/or be critical to addressing societal or environmental challenges.
Exceptional projects generally incur above average costs, contain a higher degree of risk and experience longer lead times to market. However, high costs alone are not enough to warrant “exceptional” status. Projects of this nature are more often, but not exclusively, found in the bioscience or low carbon sector. Priority will be given to technologies and sectors identified by the Technology Strategy Board and in SEEDA’s Regional Economic Strategy.
Exceptional Research and Exceptional Development grants are available to SMEs with fewer than 250 group employees and a turnover of not more than €50m or a balance sheet total of not more than €43m. Key aspects are:
Exceptional Research
- Minimum Grant £100,000
- Maximum Grant £250,000
- Maximum % of costs covered 60%
- Project duration 6 to 36 months
Exceptional Development
- Minimum Grant £250,000
- Maximum Grant £500,000
- Maximum % of costs covered 40%
- Project duration 6 to 36 months
