Funding is available for innovation projects to enhance the assessment of the UK’s waters in relation to biodiversity.

Through this competition, Innovate UK (IUK) is funding innovation projects that can improve the observation capabilities of the UK’s waters. The aim is to achieve better assessment and evaluation of the status and risks to natural capital assets.

The scheme is targeting technologies and systems that can operate in depths up to 100 meters and significantly improve the current ocean monitoring data acquisition and analysis methods and systems.

The competition is open to both single applicants and collaborations. To lead a project the organisation must be a UK registered business of any size or research and technology organisation (RTO). At least one micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) must be involved. If the lead organisation is an RTO it must collaborate with two businesses (one SME and one business of any size). To collaborate with the lead, an organisation must be a UK registered business of any size, academic institution, charity, not for profit, public sector organisation or RTO.

Up to £750,000 has been allocated to fund feasibility projects and industrial research projects. Each project’s total costs must be up to £75,000 for single applicants or between £75,000 and £200,000 for collaborations.

Applications can be made between 31 August 2022 and 5 October 2022 (11:00 BST).

How To Apply

Competition dates:

• Open: 31 August 2022
• Competition closing date: 5 October 2022 (11:00 BST)

Applicants are encouraged to read the general guidance for applicants to help their chances of submitting a quality application.

More details can be accessed at the Innovate UK website.