On 1 July 2015 submissions opened for the enhanced Eurostars grant within the Eureka programme 

Eurostars is part of the Eureka programme. It is funded jointly by the Horizon 2020 programme and national contributions from participating countries

Eurostars is aimed predominantly at research intensive SMEs carrying out near to market R&D into highly innovative products, processes or services. Outcomes are expected to be commercialised within at least 2 years.

The scheme requires collaboration between two or more legal entities in two or more of the 34 European eligible countries i.e. the entire EU plus some others e.g. Israel.

Funding for UK SMEs can be up to Euro 360,000 which may cover up to 60% of eligible costs.

Funding for potential partners varies from county to country and may include, in some cases, both academia and large companies unlike the UK which will only support SMEs, although other non-eligible entities may participate and self-fund.

The projects are all "bottom up" i.e. R&D content and activity is defined entirely by the participants giving huge scope to the potential R&D range.

The grant is competitive in nature with success rates around 23 %.

The next deadline for submissions is 17 Sep 2015 20:00 Brussels Time

and subsequently                                     

18 Feb 2016 20:00 Brussels Time

We are happy to advise you on all aspects of applying. Our success rate for applications is >90%

We can also help with searching for partner(s) throughout the 34 Eurostar participating countries and with drawing up collaboration agreements. Full details from www.eurostars-eureka.eu  and www.grantaid.com.

Agri-Tech Catalyst Early Stage Grants Round 5 Funding research feasibility studies

Headline The Agri-Tech Catalyst supports businesses and research organisations, including academia, to respond to challenges across the agricultural sector. It will fund projects to make the UK a world leader in agricultural technology, innovation and sustainability. Early stage projects will explore the commercial potential of an early-stage scientific idea through feasibility studies.

Key Objective:

The objective of pre-industrial feasibility studies is to explore the commercial potential of an early-stage innovative idea. All projects must be based on prior underpinning research evidence. Examples of project work in this early-stage award category may include, but are not limited to:

• development projects that encompass validation of disease targets (but not discovery of novel targets involving fundamental research), identification of agchem candidates, characterisation and optimisation, initial manufacturing process development and formulation, demonstration of safety and efficacy, plant and animal breeding trait assessment and marker identification, and material testing for engineering solutions 
• diagnostic devices or other analytical technology projects that may include exploration of user requirements, initial design and engineering, systems integration and prototyping, laboratory-based evaluation and characterisation.

Applicants wishing to evaluate or trial the commercial potential of their technologies in a field testing or real-life environment should apply for a late-stage award.

Eligibility This round is for Early Stage Technical Feasibility. Early-stage projects may be led by businesses (any size) or research organizations; working collaboratively. Collaboration may be B2B or B2RO but not RO2RO

Funding available:  Total project costs can be between £150k- £500k for early-stage awards. SMEs may receive 55% funding and large companies 45% funding of total eligible costs. Total research base partner costs must not exceed 50% of total project costs. Where .there is an international element to the project partners from specific developing countries are also eligible for funding

Duration: Projects may run for upto 18 months

Opening:  These awards follow a single-stage application process.  Opened on 25th June 2015

Application deadline: Applicants must first register via the Innovate UK website by noon 13 Jan. 2016. The deadline for applications is noon 20 Jan 2016

Timeline:  Applicants will be notified if successful on the 11^th March 2016 by email and conditional letters sent out in April.

Details: Early-stage awards will fund projects that explore and evaluate the technical potential of an early-stage innovative idea or research concept through technical feasibility studies. The project will aim to establish if a pre-industrial concept is ready for further technology development and evaluate the commercial potential.

Projects may last upto 18 months

Scope:The Catalyst will take innovative ideas from any sector or discipline that demonstrate the potential to advance sustainable intensification of agriculture and deliver economic impact for the UK Agri-Tech industry by tackling domestic or international challenges. The scope of the Catalyst includes:

• Primary crop and livestock production, including aquaculture
• Non-food uses of crops including ornamentals
• Food security and nutrition challenges in international development
• Addressing challenges in downstream food processing , provided the solution lies in primary production

Applications from the aquaculture and livestock sectors are particularly encouraged, as are crop sector projects targeting weed control and on-farm storage and management.

The following are examples of project subjects within scope:

all aspects of arable and horticultural food production including plant genetics and breeding, crop establishment; agronomy, precision farming, soil and land management practices; tackling weeds, pests and diseases; crop harvesting and storage; sustainability of production methods; non-food uses of crops (for example, for biomass or high-value products); developing sustainable solutions to increase the productivity of the UK and global livestock sector (including aquaculture) while reducing the industry's adverse impacts on the environment, reducing waste and limiting human health issues; livestock genetics and breeding, health and disease, nutrition, welfare and husbandry.

In all projects, multi-disciplinary collaborations involving engineering, IT or any other relevant disciplines and approaches are encouraged.

Conditions: There are a limited number of areas where the Agri-Tech Catalyst will not fund projects currently, we are happy to advise on scope and general eligibility.

ACTION To discuss this grant and how we can help maximise your chances of success, save you time and get the biggest possible grant please complete the enquiry form at www.grantaid.com  and a relevant consultant will contact you   within 24 hours

The Stelios Award 2015 - Creating opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs

• The £50,000 award recognises talents of established business owners with a disability or long-term health condition.
• The cash prize is the largest of its kind for disabled entrepreneurs.
• The award is run in conjunction with Leonard Cheshire Disability, the UK's leading disability charity.
• Award is personally chosen and presented by easyjet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou at a special ceremony in London on November 4th.

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Leonard Cheshire Disability are pleased to invite applications for the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2015 worth £50,000.

The award, jointly run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (www.stelios.com) and the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability, (www.LeonardCheshire.org) recognises the achievements of disabled entrepreneurs who have overcome challenges to set up their own company and excel in their chosen business field. Now in its ninth year, past winners have been drawn from the travel agency, homebuild and IT sectors as well as companies specialising in disability/mobility aids.

Applications are now being accepted online at www.leonardcheshire.org  The deadline for all applications is Friday 18 September 2015.

Sir Stelios said: "Creating opportunities for disabled people facing discrimination in business is essential. The Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs highlights their achievements and contribution to society.

We want to hear from talented disabled entrepreneurs who are able to show they have got what it takes to run a successful business and meet a real need in the market."

Clare Pelham, Chief Executive of Leonard Cheshire Disability said: "We are delighted to work with Sir Stelios on an award that celebrates the remarkable achievements of disabled entrepreneurs.

"I know there are many talented and successful disabled entrepreneurs out there. I urge them to take advantage of this unique opportunity for valuable recognition of their business and skills - in cash and publicity - and apply."

Last year's winner, Ben Wolfenden said: "Winning the 2014 award has meant so much to me both financially and personally. I've been able to solidify the team and our offering, grow some fantastic new clients and build a better working environment for my health."

Ben said that despite undergoing a gruelling regime of medication and five hours of physiotherapy every day, he and his team have grown Visibilis by over 1000% in the year from 2012 to 2013, with 2014 exceeding expectations.

He added, "I would urge anyone with a disability, whether you see yourself as an entrepreneur or not, to apply and let Stelios and his team decide!"