SBRI: Circular Economy in the Welsh Public Sector

Any organisation can submit an application, although it is expected that opportunities presented by SBRI will be particularly attractive for SMEs. SBRI is aimed at organisations working on the development of an innovative process, material, device, product or service. Successful applications will be those whose technology best addresses the specific needs identified, with the potential to make a measurable improvement to currently available products, processes materials, devices or services. Development contracts will be awarded only to individual organisations. However, organisations may also wish to demonstrate that successful collaboration will enhance their overall development. Work may be subcontracted but this is the responsibility of the main contractor.

Pre-startup companies may apply, but contracts must be awarded to legal entities.

Universities may apply, however they must demonstrate a route to market, i.e.the application must include a plan to commercialise the results.

Additional requirements:

• All projects must include a named public sector collaborator who has committed to their involvement in the project, evidenced by a signed letter of support;
• Funding for public sector collaborator costs should be included as a subcontractor cost in the project applications;
• Projects can include more than one subcontractor. However, the involvement and role of each organisation should be clearly specified, and the commitment evidenced, ideally with named individuals stated in the application;
• Multi-sector applications will be welcomed – in particular, applications that demonstrate significant benefits for Local Authorities, NHS & Third Sector organisations; and
• Academic partners are also welcomed, particularly if in relation to independent evaluation and meeting any required technical/scientific testing.

This challenge is open to applications that deliver either a Phase 2 or Phase 3 project. Current funding of £1 Million is available to a portfolio of projects – which may be subject to change, dependent upon the number/quality of submissions received. We are seeking a broad range of projects, from £50,000 for rapid, potentially low-cost demonstrations to up to £400,000 for large scale demonstrators. However, costs must be clearly substantiated and value for money demonstrated. We reserve the right to consider an increased budget for exceptional applications if the scale of the delivery across Wales warrants it.

Projects will be selected on a portfolio approach to ensure activity and evidence is gathered on a broad demographic basis across Wales.

Phase 2: Prototype Demonstration and Evaluation – This should result in a real-world demonstrator or pilot programme to be developed and tested in conjunction with end users.

Phase 3: Spread and Scale – Supporting broader demonstration of successful near-to-market projects across a variety of locations/demographics, providing evidence of the potential for spread and scale across Wales on a place-based approach, considering local assets, existing services and local unmet needs. 

Projects must commence by 8 January 2024 and be completed by 31 October 2024.

Innovative solutions could:

• Demonstrate the viability, scalability and affordability of new products and services that can reduce the environmental impact of the public sector in Wales.
• Promote better opportunities for recyclable material in both the creation, reuse and disposal of products supplied to the public sector – designing in circularity from the outset.
• Increase recycling and repurposing of public sector waste.
• Reduce collected waste for off-region treatment (reducing carbon footprint).
• Offer a capital reduction as solutions may have either a cost reducing effect or possible revenue generation capability.
• Establish local manufacturing partnerships and facilitate access into project partner organisations.

Out of Scope 

We are not looking to fund projects which:

• Do not have at least one Welsh public sector collaborator.
• Are purely focussed on feasibility – we are seeking real-world practical demonstration (not academic/research papers).
• Cannot evidence engagement with potential future customers to understand needs.
• Fail to address how any potentially negative outcomes would be managed.
• Cannot evidence how a proposal will generate positive economic or societal impact.
• Fail to consider affordability & practicality of widespread implementation.

To register for the virtual Briefing Event, to be held on 16th November at 10:00AM, please click here.

For any enquiries about this competition e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk

If you would like help to find a project partner, contact Innovate UK KTN’s Circular Economy team.