NBIC: Industrial Challenge Response Fund call now open
Funding, Other Funding

NBIC: Industrial Challenge Response Fund call now open

 

Closing date: 26 May 2026

The National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC)’s Industrial Challenge Response Fund is calling for high-quality project proposals from organisations with the expertise to investigate and exploit areas in which biofilms play a central role.

Industrial Challenge Response Fund (ICRF) proposals must involve a collaboration between one (or more) NBIC research partner institutions and at least one company (Micro, SME or Large) or at least one stakeholder from the third or public sector (such as charities, regulators etc)

The fund provides tiered, rapid-access support for projects at different stages of development:  

  • Initial funding (ÂŁ5k–£35k): Feasibility studies, prototype testing, regulatory advice, IP support.  
  • Follow-on investment (up to ÂŁ100k): For partners funded by NBIC (including Proof of Concept (PoC) 1–5, FTMA, core research) requiring additional support to reach critical milestones, ensuring continuity and and amplifying prior investment.
  • Funding is intended to help projects advance toward market readiness, ideally supporting the development of a minimum viable product or enabling a product to be brought to market by mid 2027. Target TRL 5–9, focusing on late-stage development and commercialisation activities.

For further information and to apply, see HERE.