Grant for Research and Development (GRD)
GRD is now provided by the Technology Strategy Board
Due to the closure of all Regional Development Agencies we are
no longer able to accept any new GRD applications (including
Initial Proposal Forms). The lead delivery body for the
scheme from April 2011 is the Technology Strategy Board.
What is available prior to April 2011 (for information
only)
There are six levels of grants available.
1. Proof of Market Projects
Test the commercial potential of an innovative idea for a new
technology, lasting 3 to 9 months. The output should be a
thorough and professional analysis of the scale of the market
opportunity. Grants of £5,000 - £20,000 are available to small and
medium sized businesses, covering 60% of eligible costs.
2. Micro Projects
Are small scale development projects lasting no longer than 12
months. The output should be a simple prototype or a pre-production
technology of a novel or innovative product or process. Grants of
£5,000 - £20,000 for all micro businesses covering 45% of eligible
costs are available.
3. Research Projects
Involve planned research or critical investigation into the
feasibility of new products or processes, lasting between 6 and 18
months. The result of the project could be new scientific or
technical knowledge that may be commercially exploited. Grants of
£20,000 - £100,000 for micro and small businesses covering 60% of
eligible costs are available.
4. Development Projects
Involve the shaping of industrial research into a plan or design
(such as a pre-production prototype) of a technologically
innovative product or process lasting 6 to 36 months. Grants of
£20,000 - £250,000 are available, covering up to 40% of eligible
costs for small businesses and 35% of eligible costs for medium
sized business.
5. Exceptional Development Projects
Involve technology developments, but can demonstrate that they
will have a major effect on the performance of UK industry. These
projects are likely to generate much wider economic benefits and
must have strategic importance for a technology or industrial
sector. The scheme offers grants between £250,000 and £500,000 for
projects lasting 6-36 months, covering 40% of eligible costs for
small businesses or 35% of eligible costs for medium sized
business.
6. Exceptional Research Projects
Typically involve planned research or critical investigation,
but can demonstrate that they will have a major effect on the
performance of UK industry. These projects are likely to generate
much wider economic benefits and must have strategic importance for
a technology or industrial sector such as life sciences and low
carbon energy. The scheme offers grants between £100,000 and
£250,000 for projects lasting 6-36 months, covering 60% of eligible
costs.