NERC/GCRF Follow-on Fund (deadline: 19th September 2018)

The Natural Environment Research Council NERC is inviting proposals to the Innovation Follow-on Fund call, a 'proof of concept' fund to support the commercialisation of ideas arising from NERC or other research council funded research.

The Follow-on Fund call reflects NERC's vision and emphasis on delivering impact. This call picks up where research grants leave off, enabling research outputs from research council funded research to be further developed so their commercial potential can be realised.

Funds will be used to support projects which focus upon generating user applicable outputs from past and/or current research council funded research and which translates them into commercial outcomes within the NERC remit. Proposals should have a primary focus on the commercialisation of research and/or knowledge. Whilst projects can be purely UK-focused, NERC also welcomes projects that are aimed at improving economic growth and welfare in developing countries.

Examples of activities funded include technology licensing, launching technology based products or services, selling know-how-based consultancy services, and the commercialisation of NERC-funded datasets. Proposals are invited for projects pursuing any of these approaches or, indeed others.

Proposals may apply for up to a maximum of £155,000 at 100% full economic cost (FEC) and a duration of up to 18 months, per project. NERC would pay 80% FEC for UK research organisation costs and 100% of any agreed direct costs to international partners.

For further details and guidance for applicants please see the NERC website.