£20 million of funding for innovative businesses

Technology and research-focused businesses in Chesterfield are invited to apply for a share of up to £20 million of Government funding to help boost the UK’s resilience.

Grants of up to £50,000 have been announced for businesses to develop new ways of working to support industries such as delivery services, food manufacturing, retail and transport, as well as to support people currently staying at home.

Applicants, which are able to demonstrate significant benefits for communities, have been invited to claim 100% of project costs, with payments being made available in advance of project start dates.

Innovations could include:

• new technology allowing retailers to respond better to sudden spikes of consumer demand and improve deliveries across the UK;
• new services for families to connect with and remotely monitor their elderly or vulnerable relatives, giving people peace of mind that their loved ones are receiving the services they require such as food deliveries, doctor’s appointments and paying bills;
• creating education tools which seamlessly integrate the classroom with the kitchen table, allowing teachers to remotely set dynamic tasks, support vulnerable children and make certain no child is left behind.

Science Minister, Amanda Solloway said:

“The response of researchers and businesses to the coronavirus outbreak have been remarkable. This new investment will support the development of technologies that can help industries, communities and individuals adapt to new ways of working when situations like this, and other incidents, arise.”

Dr Ian Campbell, Executive Chair Innovate UK, said:

“The COVID-19 situation is not just a health emergency, but also one that affects the economy and society. With that in mind, Innovate UK has launched this rapid response competition today seeking smart ideas from innovators. These could be proposals to help the distribution of goods, educate children remotely, keep families digitally connected and even new ideas to stream music and entertainment.

“The UK needs a great national effort and Innovate UK is helping by unleashing the power of innovation for people and businesses in need.”

The proposals will be reviewed as part of a competition launched by Innovate UK, seeking the best new ideas from businesses.

All the projects will begin by June 2020 and will last up to 6 months, with products and services expected to be available to the public towards the end of this year.

Businesses should apply by 12pm on Friday 17th April at https://www.apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/covid19/overview.html?_ga=2.83497237.2099540618.1586329832-2046482744.1586157545.