Proof of Concept programme

The Proof of Concept Programme supports the pre-commercialisation of leading-edge technologies emerging from Scotland's universities, research institutes and NHS Boards. It helps researchers to export their ideas and inventions from the lab to the global marketplace and create new sustainable businesses for Scotland

Projects can typically be defined as occurring after advances made during curiosity-driven or strategic research. This is usually after a background patent has been filed, but before the following:

• A full lab-scale demonstration of the technology
• Any pre-production development/prototyping
• Commercial funds for development have been made available (because of the existing level of technical and market risk)

It is not simply another source of research funding.

News about the Proof of Concept Programme

The Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept Programme (PoCP) is open for applications from Scottish universities and research centres. Proposals for potential PoCP projects can now be brought forward at any time rather than wait for the previous twice-a-year deadlines. Contact details for people wishing to discuss potential projects will be given on the SE website.

PoCP aims to help commercialise innovations leading to the establishment of new high-growth businesses in Scotland. Scottish Enterprise is particularly interested in supporting proposals with the potential to grow to substantial scale within five years, i.e. achieve turnover of £5 million or commercial investment of £10 million within that timeframe.

PoCP proposals should also align closely with the strategic priorities identified by Scotland’s key sectors.

SE’s aims to ensure that PoCP-funded projects will continue to have access to the support from the PoCP programme and enhanced wider company building activities to assist the process of creating and building the world-class companies of scale which Scotland needs to sustain its economic prosperity into the future.

Terry Hurley, Senior Director, Digital Markets and Enabling Technologies

SE Proof of Concept Programme contacts:

Acting Head of PoCP:

Lisa Branter (0141 242 8289) lisa.branter@scotent.co.uk

Project Review Panel Manager:

Kevin Reynolds (0141 228 2112) Kevin.reynolds@scotent.co.uk

Stakeholder Relationships:

Kate MacInnes (0141 228 7356) kate.macinnes@scotent.co.uk

Applications Manager:

Mike Tibbetts (0141 228 2593) mike.tibbetts@scotent.co.uk

The £79m Programme is developed and operated by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with key stakeholders including: Scottish Government, Universities Scotland and Scottish Higher Education Funding Council. It is partly funded by the European Union.