UK – Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D Round 3 | Apply Now for Funds

February 29, 2024

The UK and Germany excel in research and innovation, and their joint efforts in Research and Development (R&D) have proven fruitful over time. Continuing their partnership, both countries are pleased to announce the launch of Round 3 of the UK-Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D program.

UK – Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D Round 3

This article offers detailed insights into this collaborative initiative, covering the deadline, benefits, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, tips for successful application, application process, official website, and objective, eligible countries, and types of grants available.

Deadline

Submissions for Round 3 of the UK-Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D program must be made by [3 June 2024]. Applicants should submit their proposals before the deadline to be considered for funding.

Funding Focus

They aim to support various projects in different sectors and technology fields. They especially welcome applications in emerging technologies such as Quantum, AI, Semiconductor Applications, Engineering Biology, Future Telecommunications, and Green Technologies (including hydrogen and battery technologies).

Funding Amount

Please ensure that your project does not request grant funding exceeding £500,000.

Projects They Will Not Fund

Projects that will not receive funding include those that:

Lack of genuine collaboration with a German SME who has succeeded in the corresponding German ZIM program.
Fail to meet Innovate UK’s eligibility criteria.
Additionally, they cannot fund projects that:
Rely on export performance, such as providing a subsidy to a baker contingent on exporting a specific quantity of bread to another country.
Rely on domestic input usage, such as providing a subsidy to a baker contingent on using 50% UK flour in their product.

Benefits

Collaborative R&D Round 3 brings several benefits for participants eager to engage in innovative research and development activities. Let’s explore these benefits:

Enhanced Exchange of Expertise:

Collaboration allows participants to share knowledge and expertise with partners from diverse backgrounds, creating a vibrant learning environment and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

Access to Resources:

Collaborative R&D initiatives offer access to various resources, including funding, facilities, equipment, and specialized expertise, which may not be readily available to individual researchers or organizations.

Risk Reduction:

Sharing resources and expertise among multiple partners helps to mitigate risks associated with R&D projects, such as technical challenges, market uncertainties, and financial constraints, thereby increasing the chances of project success.

Accelerated Innovation:

Collaboration enables researchers to combine complementary skills and perspectives, leading to synergistic innovation and faster progress in developing new solutions to complex problems.

Expansion of Markets:

Collaborative R&D projects often involve partners from different geographic regions or industry sectors, opening up opportunities for market expansion and increasing the potential for commercializing research outcomes

Eligible Counties

Eligible Countries and Types of Grants:

The UK-Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D program is open to researchers and innovators based in both the UK and Germany. The program offers various grants to support collaborative R&D projects, including seed funding, project grants, and innovation vouchers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for funding under the UK-Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D program, applicants must:

Be based in either the UK or Germany.
Propose a collaborative R&D project involving partners from both countries.
Demonstrate potential for scientific excellence and innovation.
Clearly outline project objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Have a viable plan for commercialization or implementation of project results.

Ineligibility

It’s crucial to understand the ineligibilities linked with the UK – Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D Round 3. Here are the key points:

Absence of Genuine Collaboration:

Projects lacking genuine collaboration with a successful German SME in the corresponding German ZIM program won’t secure funding.

Failure to Meet Eligibility Criteria:

Projects that don’t meet the eligibility criteria set by Innovate UK won’t be considered for funding.

Dependency on Export Performance:

Funding isn’t available for projects relying on export performance. For instance, subsidizing a baker based on exporting a specific quantity of bread to another country isn’t eligible for funding under this program.

Dependency on Domestic Inputs Usage:

Similarly, projects reliant on domestic input usage won’t receive funding. For example, providing a subsidy to a baker based on using a certain percentage of UK flour in their product isn’t allowed.

Application Process

Navigating through the application process of UK – Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D Round 3 is essential for prospective participants. Here’s a closer look at the steps involved:

Official Website:

For more information about the UK-Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D program, visit https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/1831/overview/1234b3b4-e0d7-4310-a616-a514c3c6c3e3.

Review Guidelines:

Begin by thoroughly reviewing the program guidelines provided.

Formulate Collaboration:

Formulate a robust collaboration plan with partners from both the UK and Germany.

Complete Application Form:

Fill out the application form comprehensively, providing all required information and details about the proposed collaborative R&D project.

Submit Documentation:

Gather and submit all necessary documentation as per the program’s requirements.

Review and Edit:

Before final submission, review and edit your application to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to guidelines.

Submit Application:

Once you’re confident with your application, submit it before the specified deadline. Late submissions may not be considered, so be sure to plan accordingly and submit on time.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants must submit a detailed project proposal, including:

Project title and summary
Objectives and scope of work
Methodology and work plan
Expected outcomes and impact
Budget breakdown and justification
CVs of key project personnel
Letters of support from collaborating institutions

Tips for Successful Application

To enhance the likelihood of success, applicants are advised to:

Clearly articulate the scientific and technological merit of the proposed project.
Demonstrate potential for impact and innovation.
Provide evidence of collaboration and complementary expertise between UK and German partners.
Ensure budget realism and justification.
Submit a well-written and comprehensive project proposal.

In conclusion:

Round 3 of the UK-Germany Bilateral Collaborative R&D program offers an exciting opportunity for researchers and innovators from both countries to collaborate on innovative projects and drive scientific and technological advancements. Leveraging the expertise and resources of both nations, we can address shared challenges and create a brighter future for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What support is available for applicants during the application process?

Applicants may have access to support services, such as informational webinars, guidance documents, and assistance from program administrators, to help navigate the application process and address any questions or concerns.

How do I apply for funding under Round 3 of the program?

To apply for funding under Round 3, prospective participants must typically complete and submit an application form, along with any required documentation, by the specified deadline. Detailed instructions on the application process are provided in the program guidelines.

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