The ERA Foundation may provide a small
amount of funding (typically £25k to £50k) to develop a good
idea, explore market opportunities, develop a business plan
and identify a potential team to commercialise the idea.
The following issues will be given particular attention in
selecting such projects -
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The quality of innovative research outcomes on which the
proposal is based. |
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A realistic awareness of the possible routes to market. |
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The business acumen demonstrated by the project team in
an outline business plan. |
The ERA Foundation will require teams with projects
supported in this way to offer The ERA Foundation the option
to invest if they reach the stage of "angel"
funding.
In seeking opportunities for projects at the early stages
of commercialisation, The ERA Foundation will wish, where
possible to build on substantial research investments
already made - for example those made by the
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
Council (EPSRC) in such programmes as Interdisciplinary
Research Centres, or the "Follow-on Fund". The ERA Foundation also
supports the
Brian Mercer Awards for Innovation
through
The Royal Society. Additionally, it will also be seeking
suitable projects from outside the academic sector. |
