The I2F programme is intended to assist companies in overcoming currently intractable product, material or process performance challenges in manufacturing or services which have a high economic impact. It provides them access to advanced analytical technologies and supporting expertise.
Scope
Projects are selected where there is clear evidence that UK economic growth will result from participation in the programme.
Examples include:
- improving energy efficiency in manufacturing processes
- materials development for hydrogen storage
- development of photovoltaics
- aerodynamics of wind turbines
- lubricants to improve engine efficiency
- materials for detectors in hydrogen applications
- development of biofuels
- improving batteries for electrical storage
- data analytics to improve manufacturing or service processes
- modelling and simulation to optimise design
Out of scope:
- fundamental research
- market research
- scoping studies
You are required to clearly describe how solving your problem can result in economic impact to the company.
We are currently accepting applications from companies that have interests or a product that have applications within any of our stated themes.
Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
- reduction of energy consumption
- alternative energy
- development and testing of materials for energy applications and energy storage
- data usage to promote greener outcomes
- vaccine development
- aerosol particle characterisation
- drug delivery mechanisms
Funding available
The full economic cost of your project may be up to £100,000 with payment going directly to the STFC facility or department concerned. Your company will not be in direct receipt of cash through this scheme but instead are granted access to STFC facilities and expertise up to the value of the proposed project.
Grant funding in this competition is awarded as minimal financial assistance (MFA).
This allows public bodies to award up to £315,000 of support to an enterprise in a three year rolling financial period.
In your application, you will be asked to declare previous funding received. This will form part of the financial checks ahead of STFC making a formal grant offer.
To establish your eligibility, we need to check that our support added to the amount you have previously received does not exceed the limit of £315,000 in the ‘applicable period’.
The applicable period is made up of:
- the elapsed part of the current financial year
- the two financial years immediately preceding the current financial year
You must include any funding which you have received during the applicable period under:
- MFA (previously referred to as Special Drawing Rights)
- De Minimis Regulation
You do not need to include aid or subsidies which have been granted on a different basis, such as an aid award granted under the General Block Exemption Regulation.
Further information about the Subsidy Control Act 2022 requirements can be found in the Subsidy Control Act 2022.
If you are unsure about your obligations under the Subsidy Control Act 2022, you should take independent legal advice. We cannot advise on individual eligibility or your legal obligations.
EU Commission rules now only apply in limited circumstances. Please see our general guidance to check if these rules apply to your company.
In kind or cash contributions
In addition to the MFA rules it is required that you contribute an in kind or cash contribution proportional to the project cost based upon your business size.
Projects should contribute matched funding for your eligible project costs of:
- minimum of 30% if you are a micro or small organisation
- minimum of 40% if you are a medium sized organisation
- minimum of 50% if you are a large organisation
For more information on company sizes, please refer to the company accounts guidance.
