Biogas Technology Companies Not Included in UK Government Funding for Feasibility Studies

There does not seem to be any involvement by Anaerobic Digestion process technology companies in a list of UK government funded projects announced on 13 June 2012.

Seven companies are each to receive up to £75,000 in government funds to carry out feasibility studies that could lead to the development and commercialisation of innovative approaches to sustainable manufacturing for the process industry.

The reason for this generous funding is that innovation in sustainability is seen as vital for the continued success and growth of the UK process industry. The funding, from the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board (www.innovateuk.org), aims to encourage innovation in manufacturing steps that improve economic performance, benefit the environment and have a positive social impact.

The companies who will be reciving cash for the feasibility studies will be CCm Research Ltd, Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, Crown Packaging UK plc, Fine Organics Ltd, Minus Engineering Ltd, Robinson Brothers Ltd and Victrex plc.  In addition to small-scale technical feasibility studies, the funding may also be used to test and develop projects for future larger funding competitions.

There is likely to be more funding to apply for as we are told that these grants are the first part of a £5 million investment in innovative research and development that aims to stimulate sustainable manufacturing and growth in UK process industries.  There is a competition for up to £4.6 million grant funding for major collaborative research and development projects which is in progress at the moment and the results are likely to be announced towards the end of August 2012.

What is the UK's Technology Strategy Board?

The Technology Strategy Board is the UK’s innovation agency.  Its goal is to accelerate economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation.  Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy. For more information we recommend that our readers visit www.innovateuk.org.

The vision of the Technology Strategy Board is for the UK to be a global leader in innovation and a magnet for innovative businesses, where technology is applied rapidly, effectively and sustainably to create wealth and enhance quality of life.  Our approach to accelerating the pace of innovation in the UK is captured in our strategy document, Concept to Commercialisation, published in May 2011. This builds on the governments first strategy, developed in 2008, and sets out new directions, taking into account the challenges and potententially beneficial opportunities in the future.  The strategy is available if our readers visit: Concept to Commercialisation.

The Technology Strategy Board’s _connect platform provides an effective and powerful way to collaborate online, network and share knowledge with other innovators.  It provides a place to work together securely and share information & knowledge.  Users can utilise the online tools to work collaboratively, discuss ideas and find events.  The networks offer up-to-the minute news on funding, events, articles and publications, plus information about all 15 Knowledge Transfer Networks.  Through the networks, users can find potential business partners, entrepreneurs, collaborators, other innovators, researchers and academics.

For further information about the Sustainable Manufacturing for the Process Industry competition for feasibility and collaborative research and development competition visit: SMPI.