The Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) are to invest up to £6m in collaborative research and development that stimulates innovation in manufacturing. We aim to support new technologies with strong potential to underpin new production processes for a wide range of industrial applications and market sectors.

Our focus is on recent technological discoveries or breakthroughs that have inspired people to innovate in a context of significant technology risk, or have led to ideas that are yet to find application in a recognised market or business sector. Innovation in manufacturing capability often builds on new-found technology and can be a significant driver of economic growth and enhance the quality of life.

Proposals must be collaborative and led by a business and involve at least one other non-academic partner. We expect to invest between £250k and £500k in each project, although projects outside this range will be considered. We are primarily looking to fund applied research projects attracting up to 50% public funding.

This is a two-stage competition. It opens on 16 January 2012 and the deadline for registration is at noon on 22 February 2012.

The second stage for invited applicants opens on 19 March 2012 and the deadline for completed applications is at noon on 25 April 2012. A briefing event will be held in London on 25 January 2012.