EEMS Workshop on DTI R&D Funding
Future Fuels in Motorsport

DTI has announced that it has a further £100 million for UK business to research and develop new technologies.

The Collaborative R&D competition, part of the DTI-led Technology Programme, will provide funding to the most innovative, marketable projects that will boost the UK economy.

The DTI-led Technology Programme Spring 2007 competition opened on 24 April 2007 and contains several areas of relevance to the motorsport industry:

• £40 million for advanced manufacturing projects – the use of design, simulation and modelling techniques to boost global competitiveness through innovative and sustainable products and services

• £15 million for low carbon energy technologies – including hydrogen and fuel cells, bioenergy, microgeneration and ensuring the continued production of hydrocarbon reserves

• £15 million for lightweight materials and structures (this area is jointly funded by MoD and hence is also interested in projects that have potential defence applications in addition to civil uses).

The UK Research Councils will provide a further £10m to support projects with a significant academic component.

The deadline for outline applications to the two-stage competition is midnight on 18th June 2007.

Over 35 delegates from the motorsport industry attended an EEMS networking workshop at the Technology Programme dissemination event on 20 April 2007. Short presentations from Zytek, Prodrive and Warwick Manufacturing Group set the scene, and following a lively discussion, the workshop provided ample opportunity for the companies to network and to discuss potential projects with partners and with representatives from the DTI.

Feedback from the meeting has confirmed the relevance of the DTI’s Technology Programme and the Collaborative R&D funding programme to the motorsport industry.

To find out more about the Technology Programme and access guidance documents click here, where you will also find information on the further events that the DTI are holding to promote the programme.

Projects must:

• Involve two or more organisations, at least one of which is from industry.

• Be industry driven.

• Conduct R&D to address specific technology priorities in the current competition.

• Must be based on research conducted in the UK.

• Deliver main benefit in the UK.

• Be able to demonstrate how funding from the Programme adds value.

There is a two-stage application process– an outline application followed by a full application for projects successful at the outline stage. The competition application forms and limited annexes are the only means of making applications. Each competition is run to a strict timetable with deadlines for submission of applications at both the outline and full stages. Successful projects will be offered support towards the end of 2007.

Typical projects are of two to three years duration and require support of between £500,000 and £2 million, although no project will be rejected on the grounds of size alone. Projects that can demonstrate benefits to a number of business sectors are encouraged.

Larger projects will be considered but the case must be exceptional. Projects that are seeking in excess of £10 million support must call the Technology Programme Helpline on before 25 May 2007.

Funding levels depend on the type of project and are detailed in the guidance for applicants. There are three types of Collaborative R&D project:

• Pure or Oriented Basic Research - This encompasses both experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without any particular application or use in view. Funding support will favour Oriented Basic Research over Pure Basic Research. By Oriented Research we mean research carried out with the expectation that it will produce a broad base of knowledge likely to form the background to the solution of recognised or expected current or future problems or possibilities.

• Applied Research - This encompasses original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge directed primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective. This type of research may involve the creation of a project to take forward the results of a Basic Research programme.

• Experimental Development - This encompasses systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and practical experience, which is directed to producing new materials, products and devices; or to installing new processes, systems and services; or to improving substantially those already produced or installed.

The Programme is highly competitive and will receive applications for funding significantly in excess of the £100 million available. If you’re considering applying for funding, the hints and tips below should be of help.

• Read the technology priority area descriptions – your project must address the specific requirements of one or more of the areas. Projects that address more than one area are welcome but aren’t necessarily more successful in the competition.

• Read the applicant guidance and pay close attention to the criteria for assessment – your application must answer all of the questions.

• Your application should explain what you want to do and why – allow the assessors to envisage what the project is about.

• Get the right people together – ensure projects include the technology innovator(s) and end-users and show how they will exploit all outputs of the research.

• Demonstrate a clear route to market.

• Show understanding of your ultimate market.

• Explain why Programme funding is essential.

• Ensure that the project will yield wider benefits beyond the consortium partners.

• Attend the briefings for applicants – details of these can be found on the Technology Programme website.

• The Technology Programme Helpline will provide advice on the application process and direct any technical queries to a Technology Manager – call or .

• Make sure that you register with the programme. To do this, go the DTI page. 

EEMS hopes that this summary is helpful. If you want to find out more, enquiries should be directed to the Technology Programme Helpline on or .