Proof of Concept (PoC) Guidelines and Criteria

1 Proof of Concept (PoC) Guidelines and Criteria Introduction The aim of the Proof of Concept (PoC) scheme is to encourage and support those next steps in collaboration between academic partners and industrial partners within the NiBB Networks, particularly after a relationship has been initiated through the Business Interaction Voucher (BIV) Scheme. It is expected that the funds will help resource small, Proof of Concept as well as small scale scouting projects, ideally between academic and industrial based partners with the view that they will deliver more significant future outcomes for example: a more detailed/ formed Concept for the next stage of technology development & transfer demonstration that a Concept works within an industrially relevant setting Overall Process Eligibility Funding is available for P2P Network members who are eligible to receive BBSRC funding.

2 The Guidelines for this can be found by going to Please note that there is a provision made for buying in services from commercial entities which is capped at 20% of the total project costs - these services will need to be justified in the application. While funds are for academic institutions, each proposal needs an industry supporter. We are looking for projects where the industry supporter is actively engaged in the project whether they are an integral part of the work program or providing an advisory role so that the project remains commercially grounded, their role needs to be clearly demonstrated within the PoC application. Greater value will be placed on projects that have more significant industry PoCcall opensCall closesAssessment MeetingSuccessful bids advised by P2P; feedback givenProject formally accepted4 week period2-3 week periodFeedback collated in situ ~ 1 week< 4 week periodinvolvement beyond the advisory role commitment as they will be seen to have more industrial and stakeholder relevance.

3 Note on State Aid rules Please be aware that P2P BBSRC NIBB PoC funds will be counted as 'de minimis' State Aid and so those receiving funding will need to ensure they are not in breach of 'de minimis' State Aid rules through their participation. The following link might be helpful in this regard - Scale of Award It is anticipated that proposed projects will last for between 3-12 months, with most having a duration of approximately 6 months and costing around 50,000, but these figures are Guidelines only and no proposal will be rejected if they do not conform exactly to these suggestions. To be clear however, projects cannot extend beyond 12 months. BBSRC will fund 80% of the Full Economic Costs with the receiving institutions covering the remaining 20%.

4 BBSRC will release their funding contribution in arrears to the University of Bath to distribute to successful applicants on behalf of the Network/ BBSRC. Criteria for Application 1. Applicants must be members of the P2P Network 2. Proposal requires an industry supporter who is actively engaged in the project. The more industry involvement there is the more value is placed on the proposal. 3. Proposal is relevant to the Plants to Products Network 4. Priority will be given to proposals that deliver to one or more of the following, discussed at the first P2P Meeting held on the 14th-15th April 2014: a. Process optimisation for exemplar processes/ systems b. New options on functionality targets - primarily products/ materials but could also be process functionality too.

5 C. New applications within existing processes (eg. milling and malting) for current process outputs. 5. Proposal contains a clear and concise plan and clear objectives 6. Proposal contains a clear plan for following-up and progressing the work/ technology development beyond the initial scope of the PoC proposal. 7. Proposal includes a plan for establishing value from project deliverables and where appropriate protecting arising IP. We also ask that applicants inform us as to whether the project scope within the proposal is being submitted to other Networks in their PoC calls. This does not mean your application will not be funded or eligible for both calls, far from it we simply wish to know so that we can explore the possibilities of joint funding etc with other Network and ensure that projects get support/ funding from the most relevant sources.

6 While we aim to keep the application process as quick and simple as possible and have not included specific sections on data sharing etc, we are expecting applicants to generally conform to the BBSRC Guidelines for data sharing: and good scientific practice: Example activities for PoC This is by no means an exhaustive or prescriptive list but example activities that would be likely to be supported are: Experimental trials of prototypes/ process operations undertaken at either the industrial partner s facilities or at the academic institution with guidance from industry as to relevant conditions etc and clear objectives. Data analysis of experimental trials for process optimisation and using this information to deliver process improvements.

7 Experimental trials and data analysis on biomass feedstocks to assess their suitability and provide a prototype blueprint for conversion into new products. A short prototype product development programme with some product functionality comparison studies. Products would need to be made from biomass feedstock components. Funding call Just over 900, 000 is available for PoC projects, for the duration of the P2P Network. We are proposing to run three calls over the next five years so each call will be around 300,000 and will be approximately 18 months apart, though the Scientific Management Board (SMB) reserve the right to adjust this as appropriate. Approximate timings will be announced as early as possible with exact dates announced at least one month before the call opens.

8 Each call will be open for four weeks and applications will be reviewed and assessed by the SMB. The SMB reserve the right to restrict or change application processes, but the Network will advertise any changes to a funding call, well in advance of those changes. All PoC funding calls, and any call changes, will be advertised to members via email, the website, the P2P database, at events and using social media mechanisms. Application Application is via the P2P Network PoC application form which can be downloaded from the P2P Database, accessed via the website: or requested from the Network Manager Kirstin Covington. Please take careful note of the instructions provided within the application form as well as the information provided in this Guidelines document.

9 All applications need to be submitted electronically to Kirstin Covington at The SMB aim to assess and turnaround decisions on PoC applications within four weeks of the call closing date. Please note that awards will be subject to certain contractual terms which will be set out in the award letters. A copy of these terms is located on the PoC page of the website. A copy of these Guidelines and the detail of our assessment procedures can also be found on the P2 Pdatabase and our website: Data protection regulations Please be aware that copies of proposals will be made available to the PoC Assessment Committee (members of the SMB and external co-opted reviewers where appropriate), who will use information provided in the application for processing the proposal through assessment, the award of any consequential grant, and for the payment, maintenance and review of the funds.

10 Funding comes from BBSRC, so to meet the Research Councils obligations for public accountability and the dissemination of information, non-confidential details of awards may also be made available on the Research Councils websites and other publicly available databases, and in reports, documents and mailing lists. Be assured however, that BBSRC take no part in the assessment and direct monitoring of the projects and that all parties involved in PoC assessment and monitoring have to sign a confidentiality undertaking and any conflicted parties (ie members of the Assessment Committee) will not have access to confidential information regarding the proposals they are conflicted over. Conflict of interest guidance In the PoC application form we provide you with an opportunity to highlight any conflicts of interest you may be aware of that the SMB members may have with regards to your proposal.