Scope
This Call invites proof of concept projects from any area related to the STFC-supported Clusters in Space, Energy, Health and Life Sciences, Quantum, Digital, and Defence and Security.
Your project must be business-led, collaborative, and involve one or more project partner from Harwell or Sci-Tech Daresbury Campuses. We are keen to support multi-disciplinary projects, although it is not a requirement of funding.
All applications must be completed in full and submitted along with supporting documentation by 5:30pm on 16 October 2024.
STFC Clusters
Anchored to the critical mass of expertise, talent and capabilities on-site, Harwell Campus currently hosts four rapidly growing clusters in Space, Health, Energy and the new Quantum Cluster. Sci-Tech Daresbury hosts the North West Health Cluster, North West Space Cluster and Digital Tech Cluster.
The Cluster model encourages collaboration, knowledge sharing, and pushes innovation in key sectors contributing to driving productivity and growth in the UK economy.
The aim of this funding is to stimulate business engagement and collaboration with organisations in the Clusters at Harwell and Sci-Tech Daresbury.
For any further information, please contact CrossClusterPOC@stfc.ac.uk
OBC Regional Defence and Security Cluster
STFC is a founding member of the Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Chilterns Regional Defence and Security Cluster (OBC RDSC). The Cluster aims to enable Defence and Security organisations to meet emerging threats, in a timely manner, through enhancing and invigorating the UK industrial base.
Case Studies
Sustainability passporting for climate threatened Arabica coffee
Trade in Space have worked with Environment Systems to produce climate vulnerability scoring for Arabica coffee growing regions. This outlines the likelihood of the current locations eventually becoming unsuitable due to climate change driven weather patterns.
Their CCPOC project involved creating a supply chain visualisation product, called Sustainimaps, which allocates a risk level to the farms being monitored.
“With the support of the Cross Cluster Proof of Concept (CCPOC) funding, we were able to complete this project with Environment Systems, focusing on the threats of climate change on Arabica coffee. Using the data layer we created, we successfully built a forecast of what the next few decades look like for coffee growing in a small region in Colombia, risks and changes in land. Taking that forward, we can then extend to other coffee growing regions for risk assessment", Katrine Biret, Business Development Manager at Trade in Space.
Collaboration unlocks solution for growing satellite industry
LMO, Protolaunch and Nammo AS collaborated to develop a solution to the growing issue of increasing space traffic and space junk, with the support of STFC’s Cross Cluster Proof of Concept funding.
“Accessing STFC’s Proof of Concept funding has enabled us to develop strong relationships with our partners and develop a solution to the growing issue of space junk and traffic. I look forward to developing this technology further and continuing to collaborate with Protolaunch and Nammo.” Michel Poucet, CEO at LMO.
3D technology key to improving drug development
Revivocell Ltd. accessed STFC's unique facilities and expertise to carry out research and development into human cells in 3D formation to improve drug development.
The support and funding provided by STFC allowed Revivocell to undertake extensive research and product development without the capital outlay usually required. It also benefited from accessing wider funding from STFC’s Cross Cluster Proof of Concept fund, networking via the North West Health Cluster and collaboration with other SMEs.
Want to find out more?
If you have a proof-of-concept project that develops new knowledge, technologies, products or services, please contact us to apply and request an application pack.
Through collaborating with Campus and Cluster organisations, this Call offers the opportunity to access networks and state of the art facilities to develop and validate new ideas as well as the potential to explore technology spill-over and collaboration. A grant of up to £45k (match funded cash/in-kind) is available for 3-month projects.
Please email CrossClusterPOC@stfc.ac.uk to request an application pack or for any general queries.
Harwell Health Tech Cluster - Adrian Hill
Harwell Energy Tech Cluster - Emma Southwell-Sander
Harwell Space Cluster - Gemma Wilson
Quantum Tech Cluster - Najwa Sidqi
North West Space Cluster - Alan Cross
North West Health Tech Cluster - Phil Carvil
Digital Tech Cluster - James Bedford
All applications must be completed in full and submitted along with supporting documentation by 5:30pm on 16 October 2024.