Proof of Concept funds
Proof of Concept studies are intended to support innovative new research ideas, typically in a partnership that includes industry partners or describes an alternative and clear pathway to economic impact. These research ideas will be at an early stage of development in terms of examining their potential for commercial impact, typically at TRLs 1 and 2. The expectation is that successful PoC studies will provide the basis for a strongly supported case for further funding through Research Council, Innovate UK, or EC funding.
These funds will stimulate new collaborations in strategic priority areas identified by BBNet, and pump-prime research leading to more ambitious proposals to UKRI, EC and other funders, and eventually innovation by UK industry.
Current funding
BBNet final Proof of Concept (PoC) – open call – up to £60k
- Deadline
- 8 May 2024
We are pleased to announce that the final BBNet POC Funding Call is now open.
Funding is available for BBNet members who are eligible to receive BBSRC funding.All applicants must be BBNet members at the time of the application. Projects can be any duration up to 12 months.
All projects must be within the scope of the BBNet network:
- The Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet) serves as a focal point to build and sustain a dynamic community of industrial and academic practitioners working together to develop new processes for the conversion of non-food biomass into sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials. BBNet brings together scientists and businesses with interests in biorenewable products.
- BBNet emphasises translational research that encompasses sustainable biomass provision through to processing and production of fuels, chemicals and materials; encouraging genomic, synthetic and systems biology approaches in the research we sponsor.
- Feedstocks will include agricultural and forest residues, food industry and brewing waste, municipal and commercial solid waste, marine biomass and biomass crops.
- Our remit will encompass bioprocessing, bio-catalysis and fermentation of biomass, and as we are part funded by EPSRC, will embrace chemical conversion and engineering as part of a biotechnological process.
- Funds will support a range of activities, from research or data production through to theoretical, economic, environmental or social studies.
- BBNet promotes excellent industrial biotechnology research with a strong influence of translational research bridging the gap to application, enabling work to progress to Technology Readiness Levels three to four where it connects with the capabilities of BioPilotsUK or another translational or business development activity.
- All projects must be relevant to industrial biotechnology (IB) as defined by the BBSRC: IB is a set of cross-disciplinary technologies that use biological resources for producing and processing materials and chemicals for non-food applications. The resources include plants, algae, marine life, fungi and micro-organisms. The feedstocks include renewable materials such as crop residue, animal wastes, food and municipal wastes and perennial biomass. BBSRC has also included the production of anti-microbial compounds and biopharmaceuticals in IB. (See: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/funding/priorities/ibb-industrial-biotechnology)
Call criteria:
This is an open call, however the BBMet Management Board (MB) is particularly interested in proposals that arise from the following priority areas :
- Application of life-cycle assessment (LCA), sustainability analysis, or general “life cycle thinking”. This could entail showcasing an understanding of life cycle principles or applying life cycle thinking to enhance the sustainability of an industrial biotechnology (IB) process. Examples include exploring the feasibility of switching to lower-emission feedstocks, enhancing conversion efficiency, or minimising energy consumption.
- Integrated biorefineries – use of multiple products or byproducts, particularly from priority applications such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- Emphasis on platform chemicals, particularly targeting novel products rather than drop-in replacements for fossil fuels. This could involve exploring specific examples identified in the review of different chemicals, such as polymers for liquid formulations or solvents. Alternatively, projects may concentrate on the development of new platform chemicals with the potential to diversify the range of biobased products available.
Application process and timeline:
There are three documents required for an application:
- POC Application Form which includes the case for support – see below
- Lead applicant CV
- Letter of support from the applicant’s University
These 3 documents should be submitted by email to bbnet-manager@york.ac.uk.
Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 10:00 on Wednesday 8th May 2024.
For more information about this call download the Operational Guidance and application form below.
We look forward to receiving your applications!
Past funding calls
Past call: BBNet Proof of Concept (POC) funding call, up to £50K/projects
- Deadline
- 25 January 2023
We are pleased to announce that the next BBNet POC Funding Call is now open. Funding is available for BBNet members who are eligible to receive BBSRC funding. All applicants must be BBNet members at the time of the application. Projects can be any duration up to 12 months.
All projects must be within the scope of the BBNet network:
- The Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet) serves as a focal point to build and sustain a dynamic community of industrial and academic practitioners working together to develop new processes for the conversion of non-food biomass into sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials. BBNet brings together scientists and businesses with interests in biorenewable products.
- BBNet emphasises translational research that encompasses sustainable biomass provision through to processing and production of fuels, chemicals and materials; encouraging genomic, synthetic and systems biology approaches in the research we sponsor.
- Feedstocks will include agricultural and forest residues, food industry and brewing waste, municipal and commercial solid waste, marine biomass and biomass crops.
- Our remit will encompass bioprocessing, bio-catalysis and fermentation of biomass, and as we are part funded by EPSRC, will embrace chemical conversion and engineering as part of a biotechnological process.
- Funds will support a range of activities, from research or data production through to theoretical, economic, environmental or social studies.
- BBNet promotes excellent industrial biotechnology research with a strong influence of translational research bridging the gap to application, enabling work to progress to Technology Readiness Levels three to four where it connects with the capabilities of BioPilotsUK or another translational or business development activity.
Application process and timeline:
There is a 2-stage application process which consists of initially submitting a 1-page outline application and later, by invitation only, a full proposal.
The deadline to submit this 1-page outline application is 17:00 on Wednesday 25th January 2023.
For more information about this call download the Operational Guidance document below.
We look forward to receiving your applications!
