Is my project eligible?

The Proof of Concept Programme (PoCP) is not simply another source of research funding. PoCP funding and support is typically awarded after you’ve made advances in curiosity-driven or strategic research. Applications should be early-stage ideas which have typically reached patent level and could lead to the establishment of new, high-growth businesses in Scotland.

This is usually after a background patent has been filed, but before:

  • A full lab-scale demonstration of the technology
  • Pre-production development or prototyping
  • Commercial funds for development are available (because of the existing level of technical and market risk)
  • The principal or director and the commercialisation office of the institution has endorsed the project

Only proposals which have been approved and endorsed by the Principal/Director of the institution and the commercialisation office will be considered for funding.

Students are not eligible to apply for PoCP funding. Students with ideas should visit the Scottish Institute for Enterprise 

What we’re looking for

  • Potential to create Scottish companies that could achieve £5 million turnover or commercial investment of £10 million within five years
  • Ideas from the following sectors: aerospace, defence and marine, energy, life sciences, chemical sciences, tourism and textiles
  • A clear plan for commercialisation
  • Experienced R&D and commercial teams
  • Owned intellectual property rights
  • Prospected project costs

Eligible costs

PoCP awards cover 100 percent of actual direct project costs – the Programme does not pay overhead costs.

Costs you can claim are:

  • Personnel – salaries (unless the posts are being backfilled, we do not pay for staff already funded via other government departments, for example SHEFC)
  • Consumables
  • Market assessment
  • Patent costs
  • Equipment essential to the project (justification to be provided)
  • Subcontracting (justification to be provided)
  • Other, including travel (justification to be provided)

The finances of the award are monitored on a quarterly basis and payments are made quarterly, subject to satisfactory progress being made on the project.