Round 4 of the Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) will catalyse joint materials innovation projects between universities, RTOs and businesses of all sizes from across the UK.
The Henry Royce Institute (Royce) will open the funding call on 18 March 2024, inviting proposals for projects which explore innovative materials solutions across one of four key scope areas with a clear focus on technology translation.
The Industrial Collaboration Programme aims to match companies that have research, development, and innovation (RD&I) projects with UK experts in materials science and cutting-edge facilities to accelerate the transfer of new technologies.
ACCELERATING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Each project, for which an award between £50,000 and £125,000 is available, will be funded from 01 October 2024 through to 28 February 2025. Successful applications will be able to leverage Royce’s national capability to support their RD&I activity, including access to dedicated applications scientists and world leading research facilities.
UK based higher education institutions and universities, research and technology organisations, charity or not-for-profit organisations and businesses of any size will all be eligible for funding awards as project leads or collaborators. Royce is especially looking to support projects which focus on developing new products, processes or services that represent a step change over those currently available, or propose an innovative use of existing products or processes.
Dr Ania Jolly, Head of Research and Business Engagement at Royce said:
“This round of ICP funding will kickstart dozens of collaborative innovation projects and ensure the successful translation of research into the technologies needed to deliver impact in UK science and society.
“Each year, the Programme helps to catalyse, connect, and stimulate ideas between UK universities, RTOs and industry. This collaborative model is crucial to developing an ecosystem which ensures the transfer of ground-breaking ideas into solutions for priority areas in the UK – from meeting our net zero commitments, to living longer and healthier lives.
“We are thrilled to continue enabling the growth of innovative ventures that will shape the future of many industries and benefit the UK economy.”
ROYCE ICP ROUND 4 SCOPE
Round 4 of the Royce ICP funding call will focus around four overarching themes, each with specific sub-themes.
Sustainable Materials Innovation
- Materials innovations seeking to minimise environmental impact in the foundation industries.
- Resource efficiency and scarcity: innovations in materials use and recycling to address the scarcity of critical minerals and reduce dependence on limited resources.
Quantum Technologies and Semiconductor Materials
- Materials for quantum computing: materials enabling second-generation quantum devices.
- Quantum sensors and imaging systems: New material concepts allowing improved resolution and sensitivity in proof-of-concept quantum devices for targeted applications.
- Innovations for semiconductors: new materials to support semiconductors achieve superior properties and efficiencies.
Energy Innovation and Hydrogen Technologies
- Hydrogen production, storage and utilisation: materials innovations to support hydrogen’s role in the energy transition, including production, storage, transport, and utilisation.
- Advancements in energy materials: materials for enabling a new generation of energy storage and conversion technologies, to ensure scaling up efficient and low-cost solutions.
- Sustainability in energy systems: innovative materials and processes that contribute to a green energy landscape.
Healthcare Innovation
- Advanced manufacturing for healthcare devices: New material paradigms for creating bespoke medical devices and implants ensuring biocompatibility.
- Material Innovations in Healthcare: Materials for medical applications that interface effectively with biological systems to realise a healthier population.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ICP ROUND 4
A briefing webinar will be held for Round 4 of the Royce Industrial Collaboration funding on 20 March 2024. Sign-up via Zoom using this link:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XF7t194mQk-AHjt73cDWgw
Detailed guidance, documents and an application portal for the funding call will become available on the Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme page on 18 March 2024.
Timeline:
- 18/03/24 – Call Opens
- 20/03/24 – Zoom Briefing Webinar (12:00 – 13:00)
- 13/05/24 – Deadline for application (17.00)
- 19/07/24 – Announcement of outcome
- 01/10/24 – Projects start
- 28/02/25 – Projects funding ends
The Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme is supported via long-term funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research & Innovation.
