The 2025 NAPIC Collaborative Programme Funding (CPF) opportunity is opening 12th May!
| Funding Name | Collaborative Programme Funding (CPF) |
| Opportunity Status | Opening soon |
| Total Fund | £4 million (up to £1.5 million available in this round) |
| Grant Value Range | £5,000 – £100,000 |
| Total Project Value Range | £10,000 – £200,000 |
| Opening Date | 12 May 2025 10:00am UK time |
| Closing Date | 11 July 2025 16:00pm UK time |
| Types of Projects | Proof of Concept, Demonstration, Innovation Sprints, Networking Awards, Mobility Awards |
There are six funding streams you will be able to apply for. Please read the guidance available for each stream before starting your application.
Funding to support early-to-mid stage commercialisation activities that validate the development of concepts that have arisen from research. There are two tiers of Proof of Concept (PoC) projects - PoC 1 funds larger research and innovation challenges. PoC 2 funds smaller, shorter projects. Projects will be expected to develop a concept, idea or technology from any alternative protein sector which can be in a laboratory, model or real world setting to give confidence for further work.
Funding will support activities aimed at demonstrating the viability of a new technology, innovation or process to support commercial adoption. This could include development of a prototype, or pilot to demonstrate real life or close to real life working conditions.
Supports projects focused on fast iteration and testing of ideas within a short timeline. These projects are innovation challenge-driven projects aiming to overcome key technical, regulatory, or market hurdles leading to commercialisation outcomes.
Funding for inter-sector networking events and workshops which address scientific and innovation challenges at any stage from discovery to commercialisation. We will fund events that bring together academia, industry and/or third sector to share knowledge, identify problems, hold training activities or create dialogue with regulators and policy makers.
Funding to support individuals (especially early career researchers) on international/industrial placements to pursue collaborative work (upskilling, broadening collaborations, etc.) on scientific and innovation challenges at any stage from discovery to commercialisation.
All NAPIC CPF projects have a total project value (TPV) which is defined by the Research Organisation (RO) and non-research partner contributions split equally to the maximum value stated in each funding stream.
In addition, all CPF projects have a grant value (GV) which is the total cost to the RO for their portion of the project.
NAPIC will award 80% of the grant value (GV) directly to the RO. The RO will fund the remaining 20% themselves.
NAPIC does not pay directly to non-research partners.
Non-research partner contributions must be equal to, or exceed, the full grant value (GV) of the RO, and can be provided in the form of direct cash or in-kind contribution, depending on the CPF stream.
An example is provided in the diagram.
All projects must be collaborative and led by a UK Research Organisation.
For Proof of Concept, Demonstration, Innovation Sprint and Networking Award projects, the project lead must collaborate with at least one non-research partner which must be one of the following UK registered: business of any size, public sector or non-ministerial government department, charity or not for profit.
For a Mobility Award the project lead must collaborate with at least one non-research partner which must be one of the above, or an international research organisation.
All projects must be collaborative and led by a UK Research Organisation.
For Proof of Concept, Demonstration, Innovation Sprint and Networking Award projects, the project lead must collaborate with at least one non-research partner which must be one of the following UK registered: business of any size, public sector or non-ministerial government department, charity or not for profit.
For a Mobility Award the project lead must collaborate with at least one non-research partner which must be one of the above, or an international research organisation.
The call will open for applications 12th May 2025
Join us for the NAPIC CPF Roadshow 2025, a dynamic series of in-person events focused on CPF and how it supports innovation, research, and partnership across sectors.
Designed to connect researchers, industry leaders, and institutional partners, the roadshow will offer insights into CPF funding opportunities and practical guidance on how to develop competitive proposals.
We’re excited to bring this national event to Sheffield, Imperial College London, Dundee, and Belfast—giving participants across the UK a chance to engage directly with the NAPIC team, ask questions, and network with potential collaborators.
Monday 19th May 2025
University of Sheffield
Pam Liversidge Building, Design Studio 2, Room E05
E Floor, Broad Lane, Sheffield S1 3JD
Tuesday 20th May 2025
Imperial College London
Blackett Building, Lecture Theatre 3
South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ
Tuesday 20th May 2025
The James Hutton Institute
Auditorium
Errol Road, Dundee DD2 5DA
Thursday 22nd May 2025
Ramada by Wyndham
CS Lewis Room
20 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD
Thursday 29th May 2025
Online Information Session
1:00pm – 2:00pm
| 9.30am | Arrive and networking |
| 10.00am | Overview of NAPIC and funding available |
| 10.40am | Q&A |
| 11.00am | Facilitated networking |
| 12.30pm | Lunch |
| 1.30pm | Close |
Belfast | Sheffield | Dundee | London
If you have any questions, contact funding@napic.ac.uk
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