This is a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition with funding provided by the GovTech Catalyst.
The Home Office and Border Force continually promotes, invests in and deploys innovative detection technologies at the UK border. These counter the evolving threats of the modern world and protect revenue on imported goods. This is a strategic priority of the UK government.
This is phase 1 of the competition. Organisations can to apply for a share of £250,000, including VAT, to run a feasibility study to develop innovative solutions for deployment in the international postal and fast parcel border environment.
The overall programme will be delivered in 2 phases. A decision to proceed with phase 2 will depend on the outcomes from phase 1. Only successful applicants from phase 1 will be able to apply to take part in phase 2.
Your application must propose adaptive and non-disruptive products that comply with our 2 main objectives:
- improve our ability to detect illicit goods passing through postal and fast parcel border facilities
- have no effect on the flow of goods
To lead a project you can:
- be an organisation of any size
- work alone or with others from business, the research base or the third sector as subcontractors
Phase 1
There is up to £250,000 of funding available for phase 1. We expect to fund up to 5 projects. Your total eligible project costs can be up to £50,000 to research the technical feasibility of your product. This will be managed through a research and development (R&D) contract and will last no longer than 3 months.
Phase 2
There is up to £1 million of funding available for phase 2. We expect to fund up to 2 projects from phase 1. Your total eligible project costs can be up to £500,000 to produce and test your product for full commercial implementation.
Full details can be found here.
