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BioApproaches SW has compiled information on sourcing finance for life science research and businesses. Please click on the links below to read further information on the different ways of sourcing finance.
If you would like BioApproaches SW to aid you further in your search for finance, with further information on the schemes below or coordinating introductory meetings with financiers, please Contact Us.
Please click on the links below to take you to the relevant section.
Research Grants
Research Councils
Generally Research Councils offer grants for more academic research. The information on research funds provided below aims to highlight the more commercially focused programmes offered by each Research Council. For information on other funding offered by each research council please visit their web site.
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BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is the UK’s principal funder of basic and strategic biological research. The BBSRC supports research and research training in universities and research centres throughout the UK, including BBSRC -sponsored institutes; and promotes knowledge transfer from research to applications in business, industry and policy, and public engagement in the biosciences.
The bulk of BBSRC funding is responsive and open for application at any time. There are also research initiatives focusing on special areas. Grants are available for research projects, fellowships and studentships.
The Business and Innovation Unit promotes opportunities for knowledge transfer within the bioscience community, encouraging the translation of Intellectual Property (IP) and expertise into exploitable processes and products. Current initiatives are:
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MRC
The Medical Research Council promotes research into all areas of medical and related science with the aims of improving the health and quality of life of the UK public and contributing to the wealth of the nation.
For industry, the MRC periodically has two funding streams, a LINK Programme funding collaborative research between industry and academia and a Small Business Research Initiative which aims to promote R&D in small enterprises.
NERC
The Natural Environment Research Council's unique role is to support and sustain a world class UK environmental sciences community. To encourage collaborative research projects between academia and industry NERC offers Connect grants.
For Business they offer a Small Business Research Initiative.
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EPSRC
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council also has a range of grant funding programmes. They are not life science related, but do involve materials science and chemistry which often overlap with, or are involved in collaborations with the biological sciences. Again, most of the research grants are intended for research staff at academic institutions, but do also provide funding for collaborative research projects between academia and industry. For more information on their funding schemes, please click here.
The Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity which aims to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health.
The Wellcome trust offers awards to encourage Technology Transfer that are available to academic or university spin-out research staff to bridge the funding gap in the commercialisation of new technologies.
Academic based researchers can apply for funding under various themes including Biomedical Sciences which includes streams such as Immunology and Infectious Disease, Populations and Public Health, Neuroscience and Mental Health, Physiological Sciences and Molecules, Genes and Cells
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Department of Trade and Industry
The DTI Technology Programme is part of the Government's commitment to supporting business investing in emerging technologies. In the Spring and Autumn each year, businesses will have the opportunity to compete for funding using two DTI business support products: Collaborative Research and Development and Knowledge Transfer Networks.
European 6th Framework Programme
Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health is one of seven major thematic priorities of the European Union´s Sixth FrameWork Programme (FP6). The objective is to help Europe exploit new knowledge and translate it into applications that enhance human health. Both fundamental and applied research will be supported, with an emphasis on integrated, multidisciplinary, and coordinated efforts that address the present fragmentation of European research and increase the competitiveness of the European biotechnology industry. There is a vast number and type of funding opportunities available through FP6 for more information please view the Cordia Website. The Europa website also provides information on the FP6 programme and the FP7 programme, available from 2007, the proposals for which is currently being negotiated.
There are a number of UK organisations that can aid you with a large project application such as the European Framework programmes:
Betatechnology -
is the designated UK National Contact Point for a number of areas of FP6 including SMEs, Life Sciences and Research and Innovation and
provides assistance to companies wanting to apply for European research and development funding.
Chalex Research - located in Devon,
helps research partners to prepare and manage their collaborative research proposals and projects in the European Commission's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). Chalex will also assist in the identification of sources of funds.
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Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Defra works for the essentials of life - food, air, land, water, people, animals and plants. Their remit is the pursuit of sustainable development - weaving together economic, social and environmental concerns. Defra has over £150m to fund scientific research in the following fields: Climate Change and Energy, Natural Resource Protection, Sustainable Consumption and Production, Sustainable Rural Communities and Sustainable Farming and Food through competitive and non-competitive mechanisms and in collaboration with the LINK programme. For more info visit the Defra Website.
Department of Health
The Department of Health and the NHS fund various research programmes aimed at improving patient health and increasing the translation of laboratory research into useful treatments. Further details can be found on the DoH R&D Proposal web page.
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Business Grants
Business Link
The Business Link Website provides a wealth of information to aid business, from start-up through sales, marketing and international trade, to selling. BioApproaches SW would be happy to introduce you to a Business Link representative in your area.
The best resource for finding general business grants is the Grants and Support Directory (GSD) on the Business link Website. It allows you to search for potential sources of help with starting up or developing your business. The database contains schemes from central and local government as well as private organisations. Some of the schemes offer financial assistance, while some offer free or subsidised services ranging from advice through to practical involvement with projects. While many schemes are available nationally, some are targeted locally. Depending on your location, type of business and what you need the funds for, you may be eligible for a number of schemes in the GSD.
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Department of Trade and Industry Business Support Programme
Each year the DTI invests over £400m assisting you through grants, loans and subsidised consultancy as part of their Business Support Programme. In addition to the Technology Programme (see above) they have a range of generalised business support solutions.
For Smaller Businesses they offer:
Grant for research & development - a grant to carry out R&D.
Grant for investigating an innovative idea - subsidised consultancy to help businesses implement their ideas.
Support to implement best practice - a free diagnostic with subsidised consultancy.
Small Firms Loan Guarantee - encouraging commercial lenders to provide loans to businesses lacking security.
For larger businesses, in addition to the Technology Programme there is also
Achieving best practice in your business - access to best practice guides, case studies, fact sheets and online tools.
Selective finance for investment in England - a grant towards a project's capital cost.
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Raising Finance
Business Angels
Business Angels are individuals who provide seed or start-up finance to entrepreneurs in return for equity. Angels usually contribute a lot more than pure cash - they often have industry knowledge and contacts that they can pass on to entrepreneurs. Angels sometimes have non-executive directorships in the companies they invest in.
SW Angel and Investor Network (SWAIN)
SWAIN is the Regional Business Angel network for the South West. SWAIN is a recently formed business introduction service which brings together investors and companies seeking equity finance for growth.
SWAIN is an independent not-for-profit company and supported by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the South West Business Links. The services offered are designed to open the door to successful investment in new and growing businesses by providing low cost, professional and informal support to companies and investors.
There are further listings of Business Angels on the BioApproaches Service Providers web pages.
Venture Capitalists
Venture Capitalists raise capital for a business and may provide advisory services during the term of their investment. The capital raised may be in the form of debt or equity and may be from private or public sources. They usually specialize in specific stages of investment and/or specific industries that they know well. Also called Investors.
There are listings of VC’s on the BioApproaches SW Service Providers pages.
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