Small Business Research Initiative
The Small Business Research Initiative aims to use government procurement to drive innovation by providing business opportunities for innovative companies to solve the specific challenges facing government departments and public sector organisations. Competitions for new technologies and ideas are run in specific areas and aim to engage a broad range of companies in development contracts.
SBRI enables government departments and public sector organisations to procure new technologies with managed risk through a phased development programme, and it provides companies with paid contracts for the critical stage of product development. The applicant retains the intellectual property rights although the funding authority may apply certain rights of usage.
The SBRI programme is administered, marketed and delivered by the Technology Strategy Board. Further information on the programme and research and development procurement opportunities are notified on the Technology Strategy Board website at:
http://www.innovateuk.org/deliveringinnovation/smallbusinessresearchinitiative.ashx
What are the benefits?
The SBRI programme enables the public sector to find innovative solutions to the challenges they face in an environment where new ideas can be explored whilst the risks are managed. It creates opportunities for businesses to prove their technology and those successful will gain a contract for the full cost of demonstrating the feasibility of their technology. A further contract may be awarded for the development of a prototype which provides a route to market and establishes credibility for further investment.
Who can apply?
The SBRI programme is open to all businesses, although it is likely to be particularly beneficial to Small and Medium Enterprises. Registered charities can apply, but they must enter via their trading company limited by guarantee and Universities may also apply however both must demonstrate a route to market.
Other opportunities for small businesses to supply to Government
Other public sector contract opportunities for the supply of goods and service are advertised at Contracts Finder. This website consolidates access to lower value contract opportunities (typically under £100,000) from across the UK public sector - both central and local government.
Research Councils support for small businesses
The Research Councils support the Government's aim to create research and development intensive SMEs and seek to raise awareness among SMEs of the benefits that the research base can offer.
