UKRI Launches Wave Two of £236m Strength in Places Fund (SIPF)

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strength in Places Fund is supporting consortia of businesses and research organisations to build on their existing research and innovation capability and present plans for new activities that will have a demonstrable impact on local economic growth.

This first competition stage is an expression of interest (EoI). Consortia will set out plans for large collaborative proposals. Following assessment, successful EoIs will be selected to receive seedcorn funding to further develop a proposal for a full stage project.

Successful bids to the first stage will be awarded up to £50,000 to develop full-stage proposals over a period of six months. In the second stage, those awarded early-stage funding will be eligible to bid for up to £50 million of funding to carry out projects designed to drive significant local economic growth.

Projects can be led by either a UK-based business or a UK publicly funded research organisation. Project consortia must be based within the project’s geographical area and have the support of local civic leadership.

The deadline for applications is 9 October 2019.

More information about this research funding opportunity and the application process is available on the RESEARCHconnect funding information platform. RESEARCHconnect provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on research funding news and policy. To find out more about how RESEARCHconnect can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.