Application Process
Will there be an opportunity to discuss individual projects within IUK and WMCA before and after the applicant briefing?
Yes, it is recommended to consult with WMCA before submitting a proposal. IUK will assist with any queries regarding technical aspects of the submission.
Is there a standardised Business Plan applicants need to fill?
There is a standardised application form that applicants will be required to fill in. This will be covered in further detail in the applicant briefing session, pencilled in for 3rd October.
What is the word limit per section?
Can appendices be included with the application?
Appendices can be added to some of the questions and the application form will make this clear. Appendices will be limited in the length and size of the attachments. It will be essential to include a ‘Risk Register’ and ‘Project Plan’ (e.g. Gantt Chart) within appendices.
Are all questions equally weighed?
That is the current position. This is subject to change and will be highlighted if it does.
What score are innovate UK setting at the fundable quality threshold?
70% is the standard score that represents for Innovate UK a fundable level of quality.
Can education/skills be included as an activity as long as it aligns to the project?
UKRI and Innovate UK are very flexible about the type of skills activities that can be funded. Eligible activities include those that:
- Support the development of provision to enhance R&D skills in disciplines relating to the purpose and objectives of the Innovation Accelerator
- Enhancing the innovation, management and leadership capability of key businesses in the cluster
Many non-commercial industrial facing activities at universities are not run by non-academics. The JES application route may cause non-academics specialists an issue with making an application. Are alternative application mechanisms possible?
Organisations undertaking non-economic activity as part of the project can share up to 100% of the total eligible project costs. If your consortium contains more than one organisation undertaking non-economic activity, this maximum is shared between them.
You could get funding for your eligible project costs of up to:
- 80% of full economic costs (FEC) if you are a Je-S registered institution such as an academic.
- 100% of your project costs if you are an RTO, charity, not for profit organisation, public sector organisation or research organisation.
