Science and Technology Facilities Council
 Printable version
|
Launchpad to support space-related businesses at Harwell Oxford
Space-related SMEs connected to the Harwell space cluster have the chance to secure up to £1m of funding and support in business development of products and services thanks to the Technology Strategy Board, in partnership with STFC
Following the success of last year’s competition, STFC is once again working with the Technology Strategy Board as its cluster champion for their second Harwell Space Launchpad competition, which is now open for applications.
In the upcoming Launchpad, applicants have the chance to benefit from grants in the region of £50,000 to £400,000 towards innovative business ideas connected to the Harwell Space cluster. The competition aims to stimulate the development of high-tech projects stemming from the Harwell Oxford Campus by encouraging high-growth SMEs to engage with cluster organisations to develop a network of innovative ideas, high-tech products, sustainable businesses and a strengthened cluster.
Successful applicants will receive up to 50% of their total project costs in funding as well as:
- Admission to STFC’s business support programme running from January to February 2015. This service offers training and mentoring on key business topics from expert advisors
- Advice on a personalised development plan that looks into what technology is required for their project to succeed. Then access to that technology either on site at Harwell or to contacts at other research institutions (if applicable)
- Access to a comprehensive network of potential investors around Harwell Oxford
- Aid in showcasing themselves to these investors at a presentation event taking place in Spring 2015
The Launchpad is designed for space-related projects that are potentially too risky to take forward without appropriate funding or those that break into new areas of innovative research. While some successful businesses may choose to relocate to Harwell during their product development, this is not a requirement. However elements of the project must take place at the Harwell Oxford Campus by making use of the facilities available on site.
Any investment received from the competition must be matched via external funding within a 12 month period to secure the grant from TSB. The companies will be supported throughout this process by STFC who have a strong track record for supporting early stage businesses.
One of last year’s winners, Oxford Space Systems, proposed an innovative deployable telescopic space boom system. Their project involved the production of a prototype system of low mass that could be used for electric propulsion, payload positioning, antenna systems and de-orbiting structures for space debris mitigation. Another winning company, VTOL, suggested a programme for the development and subsequent sales of a Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS). A product which, when complete can be used to help the energy sector; providing a new automated system, with lower costs that allows safer asset inspection for electricity high tension power-line and gas pipeline inspections.
The funding and support businesses have received from taking part in Launchpad has proved fundamental in their development. VTOL said: “Without the Launchpad we simply wouldn't be where we are today or achieved nearly as much as we have done.”
Paul Vernon, who heads up STFC’s Campus Development team (which is delivering the business support programme for the Launchpad) said: “What’s great about the Launchpad competition is that it gives opportunities to companies with innovative ideas for high-tech products. Many projects with potentially beneficial applications for society fail early on in their development due to lack of either funding or access to the necessary facilities and business expertise required to kick start their progress. This is why competitions like this are so important, and we’re very much looking forward to partnering once again with the Technology Strategy Board, as well as being able to offer our business support. Launchpad II will prove fundamental in helping some really innovative business ideas get closer to market and commercial success.”
The deadline for submission is noon on 3 September 2014. To apply, companies must submit a two-minute video proposal outlining their idea. Applications from single companies or collaborations between SMEs are equally accepted.
From 19 September 2014, shortlisted applicants will then be invited to make a written proposal until noon on 29 October 2014 when the competition is closed for final entries. Companies selected to receive funding and support will be announced on the 5 December 2014.
