The Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £4.5m in collaborative research and development to address business and technology challenges impeding the adoption of cloud computing. In 2011, we funded feasibility studies into the adoption and use of cloud-based computing in sectors and application areas facing complex challenges.
These studies identified three overarching issues that present a challenge to adoption for many organisations – interoperability, resilience of data and identity assurance. To stimulate innovation to address these issues, we are launching a second round of investment of up to £4.5m. Successful projects will demonstrate how new or improved value chains and networks can be created, and show where value can be increased by offering innovative information, content and services in the cloud.
All proposals must be collaborative and business-led. There are two strands to this competition. Strand 1 is a single-stage fast-track process. Projects must be led by a small or medium-sized enteprise (SME), will generally attract up to 50% public funding and must last between six and 12 months. We expect total project sizes to be up to £150k. Strand 2 is a two-stage competition. Consortia should have at least one SME and one medium-to-large partner. Projects will generally attract up to 50% public funding and must last between six and 24 months. We expect total project sizes to be between £150k and £2m.
The competition opens on 9 July 2012. The deadline for registration for both strands is noon on 15 August 2012. The deadline for applications to strand 1 is noon on 22 August 2012. The deadline for expressions of interest to strand 2 is noon on 22 August 2012 and the deadline for invited applications is noon on 19 October 2012. There is a webinar briefing on 18 July 2012.
