Pump Prime Information (Industry)
Pump Prime Information (Industry)
Aim
The Network aims to distribute the Pump Prime Fund to support the development of projects with a pathway to applications for large-scale grant funding. These funds will support the aims and objectives of the Network. Successful proposals will clearly demonstrate the potential to develop into larger scale bids for funding or impact development.
Please find the Pump Prime submissions which have progressed to full-submission here. There is no guarantee that all projects listed will be funded.
What is the Pump Prime Fund?
The Pump Prime Fund is a flexible fund delivering funding at £40,000-£50,000 at 80% FEC to academic applicants in roles eligible for EPSRC funding. All applications must be made by academic leads.
The Pump Prime Fund is intended to kick-start projects, it will support initial stages of work to enable researchers to gather preliminary data or explore innovative ideas which will lead to large-scale grant applications in metamaterials.
The direct results of the Pump Prime Fund must be open access, fulfilling the UKRI open access policy. These grants are encouraged to lead to InnovateUK grants or may benefit collaborators as proof of concept.
Duration
The award is expected to last up to 12 months from the date of agreement with the University of Exeter, with a period of up to 6 months allowed prior to the start of the award to hire necessary staff. For example, if the award is agreed in February 2025 with the legal agreement in place by March 2025 the start date for the award could be between March and September 2025.
How can industry get involved?
Connect to the UK Metamaterials Network (UKMMN) to find collaborators, or to your existing academic contacts to develop a Pump Prime Fund. Industry partners can:
- Supply letters of support;
- Advise academic partners and support on bid development;
- Liaise with the academic institution and the UKMMN to establish contracting expectations.
Why should industry get involved?
Benefits to industry collaborators include:
- Opportunities to collaborate with world experts on a project;
- De-risking development of a concept;
- Establishing contacts with academic institutions and the UKMMN;
- And long term knowledge gain.
Contact Information
For further information and support please email info@metamaterials.network.