SBRI is a programme that brings innovative solutions to specific public sector needs, by engaging a broad range of companies in competitions for ideas that result in short-term development contracts.
Key features:
- SBRI is a programme for running an open competition for ideas and new technologies.
- It results in a fully funded development contract between the company and the government department – it is not a government grant.
- It generally has a two-phased development approach that starts with initial feasibility and then more detailed product development.
- It is a fast track, simplified process that allows government departments to engage with business they would not normally work with.
- It is particularly suitable for SME and early stage businesses and gives vital funding for the critical stage of product development.
- The government department (or public sector body) acts as the lead customer and is instrumental in helping the business develop its product or technology.
- It should result in a commercial product or service.
- The intellectual property is retained by the company, with certain rights of use held by the department.
SBRI stands for Small Business Research Initiative and significantly reworks the previous scheme that was launched into the UK in 2001. The Technology Strategy Board champions SBRI which is now focused on technology development and specific competitions. This is similar to the SBIR scheme in the United States, which has been running successfully since 1982.
Benefits of SBRI
SBRI is a scheme that benefits both the government department that is running the competition and the businesses that have the opportunity of obtaining a development contract.
Benefits to business
It can be difficult and confusing for companies to access government departments and to obtain simple contracts with them. SBRI creates opportunities for businesses to engage with a specific department need and to prove their technology or idea. Successful companies will gain a lead customer for development and will receive a contract for the full cost of demonstrating the feasibility of their technology, leading to subsequent prototype development. This provides a route to market and establishes credibility for further investment. It is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and early stage companies.
Benefits to government
SBRI supports the public sector to procure innovative solutions that address current significant department needs. It enables departments to appeal for a wide range of ideas and evaluate these through short-term simplified contracts and a two-stage development process. This allows government departments and public sector organisations to engage with a broad range of companies they would not otherwise work with. It results in bringing new technologies to market faster and with managed risk.
How SBRI works
The process starts with a government department or other public body identifying a specific challenge.
This is then turned into an open competition for new technologies and ideas that is open to the broad business community.
The Technology Strategy Board supports all competition and helps with the outreach to business.
Companies with potentially interesting technologies and ideas submit an application, either through the Technology Strategy Board or direct to the department, depending on the competition.
The ideas are all received and then subjected to an assessment process. The most successful applications will be awarded contracts to develop the product ideas.
This first feasibility phase is generally limited to 6 months and a maximum contract of £100k.
Following a second assessment stage, the most promising companies will be awarded a second phase contract for up to 2 years and £1m. This is for more detailed product development.
This leads to a commercial product or service which is taken to market and open to competitive procurement.
