The Science and Technology Facilities Council invites expressions of interest for its challenge-led applied systems programme. This supports the application and commercialisation of STFC research in the key challenge areas of healthcare and energy. This programme is intended to support the de-risking of R&D processes for industry through the development of technology demonstrators and industry-ready prototype systems. Applications should aim to address market needs by working closely with the end users, with support or collaboration from appropriate industrial partners to ensure route to market. Proposals must clearly demonstrate that the science, technology and expertise involved originated from the STFC core science programme or the STFC facilities and laboratories, CERN, the European Southern Observatory and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Lead applicants need to demonstrate that the project idea is linked to STFC research. As such, CLASP is normally only open to current or past STFC grant-holders. If an applicant has received STFC funding, but not in their name, then they are still eligible to apply for the CLASP scheme, provided they are attached to an eligible research organisation and can show they will remain under contract for the length of the grant. STFC employees working at one of the national laboratories are fully eligible to apply. Lead organisations must be eligible to hold research council grants. Non-academic organisations based anywhere in the world may apply as project partners but must have a strong presence in the UK. The total budget is worth up to £2 million.

Website: http://www.stfc.ac.uk/funding/working-with-industry/challenge-led-applied-systems-programme/