The Sustainable Innovation Fund: round 1 (temporary framework) opportunity

Connected Places Catapult is looking for SMEs who would be interested to partner with us to participate in The Sustainable Innovation Fund: round 1 (temporary framework).  This is a grant opportunity to help all sectors of the UK rebuild after the effects of COVID-19.

Project costs must be between £100,000 and £500,000. Each organisation working alone or in a collaboration can claim a maximum of £175,000.  Projects must be ready to start by 1st October 2020. They can last between 3 and 9 months.

We welcome SME applicants who work in any of the following:

• decarbonisation, circular economy
• climate change and environmental sustainability
• geographic or regionally-targeted innovation
• innovation that is aimed at commercial or residential users
• innovations that work across more than one sector
• follow-on international opportunities that help the UK lead the world

SMEs must be past the feasibility study stage.

These grants are a form of state aid under the COVID-19 Temporary Framework for the UK.  Aid may be granted to organisations that were not in difficulty on 31 December 2019, but that faced difficulties or entered into difficulty thereafter as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Micro and small businesses are exempt from this test unless they:

• are in insolvency proceedings
• have received rescue aid that has not been repaid

or

• are subject to a restructuring plan under state aid rules

If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact SMETeam@cp.catapult.org.uk and send over a brief of your business explaining how your business could fit with this call.  Deadline for expressing interest is 17th July.