Want to work with some of the best science and technology centres in the UK?

Innovate UK’s A4I competition matches the best UK scientists and cutting-edge facilities with companies that have analysis or measurement problems.

 

To help UK companies solve analysis and measurement problems and improve their productivity and competitiveness, up to £3 million in small collaborative innovation projects is being invested by Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the National Measurement Laboratory at LGC (formerly known as the Laboratory of the Government Chemist), the National Engineering Laboratory (NEL) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Companies interested are asked to outline the problem you are facing and how solving it will benefit your company. Successful applicants will be matched to the best UK scientists and cutting-edge facilities!

But you need to be quick to take advantage of this opportunity as the first stage of problem submission closes at noon on 6th September.  

Fortunately, the initial application process is a short online application!

The Analysis for Innovators round 3 is designed for mini projects and is looking to address a portfolio of problem types, across a variety of technologies, markets and sectors.

KTN are hosting a briefing event in London on the 3rd September to cover the competition scope and how to apply, as well as providing the opportunity to receive one-to-one advice, and network with other experts. If you are unable to attend in person the morning session will be webcast.

Find out more about the organisations involved below.

National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

NPL is a UK national science laboratory responding to the economic and social challenges of government and businesses, translating scientific research to improve quality of life, introduce or improve products and processes, and increase commercial competitive advantage. Their customers cover a wide range of sectors, technologies and applications, including; Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Defence & Security, Digital Economy, Energy, Environment, Life Sciences & Health, Measurement solutions, and Space.

The National Measurement Laboratory at LGC

The National Measurement Laboratory, at LGC, delivers world-leading chemical and bio-measurement science (metrology) to improve quality of life, promote economic growth in the UK and ensure the sound basis for trade based on a harmonised international system of accurate and reliable measurements. They work to underpin confidence in chemical and bio-measurement needs through their state-of-the-art measurement capabilities, addressing measurement challenges of the future to foster innovation.

They work in partnership with governments, intermediaries and private sector organisations to support measurement needs in healthcare, food, environmental sustainability, national security and energy.

The National Engineering Laboratory (NEL)

TÜV SÜD (NEL) is one of the world’s leading technical service providers of testing, product certification, auditing, systems certification, training and knowledge services.

Within the UK, TÜV SÜD employs over 600 qualified and experienced experts who operate in a wide range of industries that cover Aerospace, Defence, Consumer & Electronics, Machinery, Marine, Medical, Nuclear, Oil & Gas, Rail, Real Estate, Renewable Energy, Telecommunications and transport.

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

STFC is one of Europe’s largest multidisciplinary research organisations, supporting scientists and engineers world-wide. They operate world-class large-scale research facilities, manage the UK access to large-scale facilities in other countries, provide strategic advice to the government on development of large-scale science facilities and manage international research projects in support of a broad cross-section of the UK research community.

STFC have a responsibility to ensure that the UK scientific community has access to the large facilities that will enable it to perform high quality, world leading research in the future, providing science facilities on behalf of the whole UK research community, including:

• Lasers
• Accelerators
• Neutron and Muon Sources
• Synchrotron light sources & Free Electron Lasers
• Atmospheric and Space Science
• Scientific Computing

They are used by scientists across a huge variety of science disciplines ranging from the physical and heritage sciences to medicine, biosciences, the environment, energy, and more. These facilities provide a massive productivity boost for UK science, as well as unique capabilities for UK industry.