Formerly known as Grant for Research and Development, Smart is available to single companies. Three types of grant are available:
- Proof of market grant
- Proof of concept grant
- Development of prototype grant
Pre start-ups, start-ups, and small and medium-sized businesses from all sectors across the UK may apply for the Smart programme.
Further information, including full guidance for applicants, is available on the right hand side of this page. Please note that the Guidance for Applicants have been updated and a new rule has been introduced from the open of Round 5. An individual business may only submit one project application per category (eg proof of concept) per round. If more than one application per category is submitted in a round only the first application submitted will be considered for funding.
Batch assessment dates
Smart scheme batch assessment dates in FY2012/13, view details here
The new batch assessment dates for Smart scheme applications during the next financial year, which starts on 2nd April, are:
2012 31 May, 19 July, 27 September, 29 November
2013 24 January, 21 March
View more details here
Smart responsive mode is "always open". However to assist the Technology Strategy Board in the processing of these applications, we assign them into batches for final assessment and funding.
Once an application is submitted, it is forwarded to the appointed assessors to begin the assessment process. At the batch assessment date indicated below, any remaining applications are sent to assessors. Any applications submitted after 12.00 noon on the batch assessment date will be reviewed with the following batch of assessments.
Following the batch assessment date, the Technology Strategy Board collates all of the assessment feedback and scores from the assessors and then ranks all submissions in batches and assigns the available funding. Therefore an applicant should expect to hear from the Technology Strategy Board approximately one month after the batch assessment date with respect to its funding decision.