Funding to enable researchers who have a sound understanding of the market opportunity for their intellectual assets to execute a defined programme of work of up to two years in length that has clearly defined and complementary technical and business plan development milestones.

BBSRC Standard Follow-on Fund

This programme is a proof-of-concept model where further work on an idea will take it through to the stage at which the route to application is clear, which may include a spin-out or licensing opportunity. The programme enables activities essential to preparing a robust business plan and secure, where appropriate, further funding and support to progress. BBSRC funds research in plants (BBSRC is the principal public funder of plant science in the UK), microbes, animals (including humans), tools and technology underpinning biological research.

Up to £250,000, 80% FEC. The Follow-on Fund is a proof-of-concept model where further work on an idea will take it through to the stage at which the route to application is clear, which may include a spin-out or licensing opportunity. The programme enables activities essential to preparing a robust business plan and to secure, where appropriate, further funding and support to progress. These activities might include undertaking further scientific and technical development of an idea, improving an IP position (by, for example, supporting further work to exemplify or broaden patent claims), gaining further information about the market for the new products or process, identifying potential licensees or opportunities for joint ventures. The Follow-on Fund is not expected to simply extend existing research grants, nor to duplicate other sources of public and private funding. See remit of BBSRC funding here: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/grants/remit.aspx

See full info for application here: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/apply/apply-index.aspx
See eligibility criteria here: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/apply/grants-guide.aspx