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SME Equipment Access Scheme

Applications Now Open | Access to equipment and facilities for materials-based innovations

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The Henry Royce Institute for advanced materials is offering access to state-of-the-art materials science and engineering equipment to support SMEs, spin-outs and start-ups.

The Royce SME Equipment Access Scheme (formerly the Materials Accelerator Token Scheme) is open to UK-based SMEs, spin-outs and start-ups and offers subsidised facilities access, perfect for businesses seeking solutions to materials analysis obstacles.

The scheme is designed to:
  • overcome cost barriers and derisk experimental materials-based R&D
  • help pave the way for future collaborations with Royce
WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES ROYCE HAVE?

As the national institute for advanced materials, Royce has an extensive catalogue of equipment including facilities to make, test and characterise materials.

Companies can identify a specific piece of equipment they require or discuss what techniques might work best for a materials-based analysis with our experienced Business Engagement and Research and Facilities Teams.

Browse the Royce Equipment Catalogue here. 

Not quite ready to apply to this scheme?

Contact a member of our Business Engagement Team to discuss your requirements and Royce’s equipment and facilities capabilities before making an application.

How to apply?

Companies seeking access should be able to define how Royce facilities could help to address a materials-based analysis required for your business.

To apply, companies should complete and submit the application form at the bottom of this page. This is designed to highlight the potential business value of the project and to identify equipment required or the need for a scoping discussion.

The scheme is an open call and available to businesses under the Small Amounts of Financial Assistance Allowance, part of the UK Subsidy Control regime. Your business must be eligible to receive this in order to apply. A  Subsidy Control declaration must be completed and uploaded as part of the application.

Upon receipt of your application, technical experts from one of the Royce partners will work with you to develop the experimental project and schedule access to the appropriate equipment.

Due to the nature of the scheme, Royce does not envisage generation of IP in most circumstances and as such, IP rights will continue to reside with the respective organisations which contribute them to any project.

Funded Projects

In 2019, the Royce Materials Accelerator Token Scheme supported over 30 UK-based companies with access to state-of-the-art materials science and engineering equipment. Projects ranged from the development of prototypes, characterisation of existing materials and in-situ testing. Read more about some of our funded projects here.

SME Equipment Access Scheme Application Form


    To enable Royce to assess your application, answer the following:

    If you have answered yes please download and complete the Sample Hazard Control Form and upload to your application at the bottom of this page.