The Concept Development Award is a proof-of-concept fund designed to support university researchers in advancing innovative ideas toward commercial viability. This competitive funding scheme bridges the gap between academic research and market-ready solutions by providing financial support for the critical development phase of promising innovations.
Fund Details
- Total Fund Available: £260,000
- Individual Award Limit: £50,000 per project
- Project Duration: 6 months Jan 2026 – July 2026
- Application Deadline: 22nd October 2025
- Target Recipients: City St George’s researchers with commercially viable innovations
Objectives
The Concept Development Award aims to:
- Accelerate the translation of academic research into commercial applications
- Support the validation and development of innovative concepts with market potential
- Foster entrepreneurial thinking within the university research community
- Strengthen relationships between university innovation and industry partnerships
- Enable researchers to demonstrate proof-of-concept for their innovations
Eligible Activities
Funding may support a range of activities essential for concept development and commercialisation, including:
- Prototype development and refinement
- Market research and feasibility studies
- Technical validation and testing
- Industry engagement and partnership development
- Business model development and validation
- Regulatory compliance assessment
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant Status: University researchers (academic staff, research fellows)
Innovation Stage: Early-stage concepts with demonstrated potential for commercialisation
Institutional Affiliation: Projects must be based on University-owned and originated IP
Commercial Viability: Clear pathway to market or industry application
Team Composition: Multi-disciplinary teams encouraged
Application Requirements
Applications should demonstrate:
- Innovation Merit: Novel approach with clear advantages over existing solutions
- Commercial Potential: Addressable market and realistic commercialisation strategy
- Technical Feasibility: Achievable milestones within the award timeframe
- Team Capability: Relevant expertise and track record to deliver project objectives
- Resource Planning: Detailed budget justification and timeline
- Impact Potential: Expected outcomes and benefits to society, economy, or industry
Application process and timeline
Application forms are to be completed, signed and submitted by email to enterprise@sgul.ac.uk CC abatra@citystgeorges.ac.uk and ian.gibbs@citystgeorges.ac.uk with Subject Heading: CDA Application [YourName].
Download the application form.
Applications will be reviewed initially by the Enterprise & Innovation/Academic Enterprise Team and funding allocated by the review panel on the 6th November.