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Apply for up to £50,000 to test, de-risk, and show the commercial potential of your quantum research through an early stage commercialisation project.
This funding scheme is being managed by UCL Business (UCLB) and UCL Innovation & Enterprise on behalf of UCL Research, Innovation & Global Engagement.
Who it’s for
UCL academic staff at any stage of their careers, including researchers, working in an area of quantum technologies can apply.
What projects could qualify
Your proposal will need to:
- build on research at UCL
- be aligned with one of the UK Quantum Strategy Missions, in particular:
- Quantum computing (Mission 1)
- Quantum sensors for health (Mission 3)
- Quantum communications, security and navigation (Missions 2, 4 and 5)
- work towards a defined commercial outcome, for example licensing your IP or forming a spinout company
- have a social or economic benefit
The types of activities you can get funding for include:
- commissioning market research or development of business plan
- covering the costs of design, prototype development and testing/validation (i.e. salaries and consumables)
Support throughout the project
You’ll need to work with UCL Business (UCLB) before applying. Please contact Celine Baron, Senior Business Manager to discuss this (c.baron@uclb.com).
Successful projects will have monthly meetings with translation mentors (Laura Bovo, Senior Partnership Manager at UCL Innovation & Enterprise OVP RIGE and Celine Baron, Senior Business Manager at UCLB) from project start to project completion.
How much you can apply for and when you can start
You can apply for up to £50,000.
There are some limitations on the overall length of your project:
- half of the budget, up to £25,000, must be spent by 31 July 2024
- the second half of the budget, up to £25,000, must be spent by 30 November 2024
You can decide the most suitable start date for your project, but the earliest you can start is 15 April 2024.
When to apply
Applications are now closed.
How to apply
Before you apply, we'd encourage you to speak to Laura Bovo (l.bovo@ucl.ac.uk) and Celine Baron (c.baron@uclb.com) for advice on shaping your application and its eligibility.
You should read our funding guide (Word) for more detail on eligibility, advice on completing your application and details of the documents we’ll need to see.
Get in touch with the UCLB business manager for your department as early as possible (at least a week before submission). Please contact Celine Baron, Senior Business Manager to discuss this.
Submit your application using the online Microsoft form. You’ll need to upload a standalone worktribe costing and evidence of Head of Department approval via this same form. Only one person will be able to access the form online. You can use the template form (Word) to collect information and draft answers before submitting via the online form.
After you apply
UCL Innovation & Enterprise will convene a review panel.
Each proposal will be reviewed independently by at least three innovation-engaged UCL and UCLB staff. Your application will be assessed on its suitability for the scheme, feasibility, and potential for commercialisation and impact.