UK: TSB Calls for Innovation to Improve Vessel Performance and Efficiency

Together with the MOD’s Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory and Scottish Enterprise, the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) is investing up to £8m in collaborative R&D and fast-track projects to deliver viable solutions for more efficient marine vessels.

The Technology Strategy Board is looking for UK businesses – from inside and outside the industry – to develop solutions covering many aspects of efficiency in existing and future ships, boats, submarines, and their associated equipment and systems.

The company is seeking innovative proposals that address the issues of improving current vessel performance and efficiency, but at the same time attract projects for future vessel design, coatings and propulsion systems.

The competition is also aiming to build collaboration across the maritime and marine industry, and develop UK-based supply chains and SMEs to underpin a national Strategy for Growth.

Proposals must be collaborative and business-led, the Technology Strategy Board would like to see micro and small businesses involved. The company expects to invest between £500k and £3m per project, although projects outside this range will be considered.

This is a fast track and two-stage CR&D competition that opens on 14 January 2013. The deadline for applicants to register for both types of project is noon on 20 February 2013 and the deadline for expressions of interest is at noon on 27 February 2013.

A briefing event for potential applicants will be held in London on 22 January 2013 and consortia-building events, to help applicants to find partners to work with, will be held before the competition opens in January.

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Technology Strategy Board, November 29, 2012