The Brian Mercer Award for Innovation scheme is for scientists to develop an already proven concept or prototype into a near-market product ready for commercial exploitation. The award is designed to promote innovation and fill the funding gap between scientific research and the exploitation of an idea through venture capital investment.
To develop an already proven concept or prototype through to the creation of a near-market product for commercial exploitation.
Other comments:
The scheme covers natural sciences, excluding medical devices. The applicant must:
have a PhD or be of equivalent standing in their profession
hold a substantive post in either a university or a not-for-profit research organisation in the UK
expect to be in post for at least the duration of the project
It is not necessary for applicants to have previously held a Mercer Feasibility Award. Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes.