Are you an Innovative Northern Star who fancies Pitching at the Palace – if so, read on!
Shorts Innovation Taxes Group (ITG) works with a whole host of innovative companies in a variety of industries and, whilst each company is different, there are often similarities – which include the Owner/Manager being too busy with the day-to-day running of the business to consider the ‘nice to haves’ such as R&D tax relief and the fact that often companies underestimate the novelty of their work.
With this in mind, we’d like to draw your attention to the following local and international events and opportunities and encourage you to consider whether this is something which is relevant to your business. The application process for each is brief and we are here to help if you need us.
Innovate UK R&D Grants
Innovate UK has up to £15m to give out in grant funding to the best business-led ideas or concepts from any technology, engineering or industrial area. The proposal must demonstrate innovation which leads to novel products, processes or services and which has a clear and anticipated growth impact for the business. Export led business growth will be given priority. You must have registered by noon on 31 August and applied by noon on 7 September. Click here for more information.
Sheffield City Region Business Investment Fund: R&D
Grants are available for established businesses within the Sheffield City Region who are undertaking new R&D which will lead to commercial products. Permanent jobs must be created as a result of the R&D. The minimum project size is c£80k and the maximum level of available funding will be around 30%. Contact Shorts ITG if you would like to know more about this opportunity.
Northern Stars
Tech North’s annual Northern Stars competition is currently open for applications from early stage tech and digital start-ups based in the North. The prize package for the successful applicant includes stands at TechCrunch Disrupt in London and TNW in Amsterdam, as well as the opportunity to take part in a Bloomberg Investor pitch and a free legal audit. To enter you need to have raised less than £2m investment and have a live product in the market with customers. The deadline is 9 October but if you apply now, then you may get invited to a Regional Event in September, which increases your chances of winning. Click here for more information.
Pitch at the Palace
This is a national competition for tech start-ups and early stage businesses. The theme is Technology, which includes biotech and medical technology, Consumer technology and the Internet of things, data management & analytics, educational technology and media technology among others. For an opportunity to pitch your business idea to a global audience of influences at St James’ Palace, apply on line by 18 September, or 9 September to increase your chances of winning. Click here for more information.
If you think you might be an Innovative Northern Star or would like more information about any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact Scott Burkinshaw or a member of the ITG team.
