Open Call
Researchers in Residence: Innovation Procurement
Funding of up to £50,000 is available to academics keen to become part of a growing cohort of specialists helping to forge closer ties between universities, industry and the Catapult Network.
Individuals specialising in supply-side procurement support for high potential businesses are invited to put themselves forward to join the Researchers in Residence scheme involving Connected Places Catapult and funded by The Innovation Launchpad Network+.
Overview
Researchers in Residence is designed to allow academics to work alongside Catapults on a project or activity in an area of strategic importance, as well as to increase the exchange of knowledge between academia, industry and the Catapult Network.
Acceptance onto the Researchers in Residence programme will allow academics to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field and take new ideas forward to create research impact. Successful candidates will receive between £25,000 to £50,000 of funding to pay for their university time, travel and accommodation. Successful academics will be welcomed on to the programme this autumn.
Proposals will be expected to address one theme identified by the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC) in this latest round of the Researchers in Residence programme. They are:
Challenge
Developing a supply-side toolkit/training materials for high-potential businesses to increase opportunities to win public sector contracts
It will help IPEC upskill supply-side innovators by demonstrating that SME solutions are effective to challenge-led procurement demands and accelerate market growth.
Who should apply?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- be employed at a UK University for the duration of this project
All applicants who propose Connected Places Catapult as their host Catapult are welcome regardless of birthplace or national origin. Other Catapults may have different requirements.
Applications close
2026
Award Announcements
Programme Start
2027
Programme end
Application process
Applicants are encouraged to liaise with Nick Loke (nicholas.loke@cp.catapult.org.uk), IPEC Programme Manager before completing their expressions of interest.
Applications are open until 31st August.
To view terms and conditions, visit the main Researchers in Residence competition site.
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