Research Ventures Catalyst

A pilot programme that will stimulate the creation of novel research ventures, via entrepreneurial team-based approaches in collaboration with partners drawn from the public sector, industry and the third sector.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is initially inviting bids for up to £100,000 of ‘seed corn’ funding, which is available to support successful applicants in developing full plans for their new research ventures. Only applicants that are successful in receiving seed corn funding will be invited to submit full plans, which will then be assessed and DSIT may ultimately provide up to £25 million of government funding per successful application. Proposals will also need to attract co-investment from partners in industry, philanthropic organisations or other third sector bodies.

Details

The Research Ventures Catalyst (RVC) programme is open for initial proposals to establish new organisational models to tackle a research challenge across any discipline.

How to apply

Complete the application form by 23:59pm on 23 October 2023.

See the application guidance for further details of the application process and requirements, and the applicant question and answer (Q&A) document for answers to some frequently asked questions.

We will be hosting an applicant Q&A session on:

• 14 August (1pm to 2pm)
• 13 September (1pm to 2pm)

If you are interested in joining one of these sessions, and have not already registered your interest, please fill out this form before 12 September at the latest. We will make recordings of these sessions available on this page for those that cannot attend.

Project size: applicants can request up to £100,000 ‘seed corn’ funding to develop full technical plans. We expect successful projects will ultimately require up to £25 million of government funding, alongside additional co-investment from other investors and philanthropists.

Funding type: Grant