Smart Nano Technology Access Programme
Open date: Monday 21 October 2024 Close date: Monday 2 December 2024
Overview
Technology access example:
Programme benefits
Gain access to state-of-the-art photonics equipment and Northern Ireland’s largest testbed for future networks like 5G, and NB-IoT.
Benefit from up to 10 hours of 1:1 expert consultation to prototype your product or service.
Leverage up to 5 hours of mentoring with Smart Nano consortium partners to refine your plans.
Collaborate with peers, sharing insights on technology adoption and commercialisation challenges.
Receive a customised technology roadmap for next steps post-programme.
Join the Smart Nano NI Alumni, with ongoing access to curated events and workshops.
Future Networks Track
What are the benefits of 5G?
- Real-time data transmission: 5G’s low latency enables real-time data transmission between machines, sensors, and control systems, crucial for applications like autonomous robots and remote machine operation.
- Enhanced productivity: Faster data transfer speeds can significantly improve production efficiency and reduce production downtime.
- Connected devices: 5G’s massive connectivity supports the integration of a vast number of IoT devices, enabling advanced automation and data-driven decision-making.
- Enhanced collaboration: 5G’s high bandwidth and low latency can support immersive AR/VR experiences, enabling remote collaboration, training, and troubleshooting.
Participants will have access to Northern Ireland’s largest 5G testbed in Derry/Londonderry.
Photonics Track
What are the benefits of photonics?
- Precision measurement and metrology: Highly accurate measurements using vision systems which are crucial for advanced manufacturing and quality control processes.
- Advanced imaging and sensing: Hyperspectral imaging and 3D profiling enable, for example, the collection of data for material analysis and rapid prototyping.
- High-speed, secure communications.
- Precise manufacturing: higher efficiencies and new possibilities in product design through additive manufacturing, material processing and micromachining.
Who should apply?
Established startups and SMEs in Northern Ireland and across the UK looking to upskill in Industrial Photonics or Future Network Technologies (such as 5G and, NB-IoT). If your business is seeking to leverage these technologies to address specific challenges or drive innovation, this programme is designed for you.
Applicants must be a Northern Ireland or UK based registered company, or prove they are a company that has an establishment in the UK and undertake all project activity in the UK.
Key dates
Monday 5 December
Applications close
Mid December
Announcement of successful applicants
January 2025
Programme start date
Who’s involved
Programme Terms and Conditions
Terms and ConditionsFrequently asked questions
What is the Smart Nano NI Technology Access Programme?
The Digital Catapult Technology Access Programme is delivered as part of Smart Nano NI. This initiative connects industry and businesses with unparalleled access to experts, cutting-edge equipment and facilities.
Participants can leverage the deep technical expertise of our technologists alongside access to test bed facilities to accelerate their projects, solve complex challenges, and bring their technological visions to life with a focus on photonics and future networks.
What are the features of this programme?
- Fully funded access to cutting edge Photonics Equipment and a Testbed that supports Future Networks such as 5G and Narrowband IoT(NB-IoT).
- Up to 10 hours of 1-2-1 consultation and mentoring with experts in Photonics and Future Networks Technology to help shape and prototype your new service or product.
- Opportunity to avail of up to 5 hours of engagement and mentoring with the Smart Nano consortium companies, helping test and shape your plans.
- Peer support from other participants on the programme, sharing learnings and insights gained from the programme as well as previous expertise regarding the challenges of technology adoption and commercialisation.
- Receive a tailored technology adoption roadmap to clearly define next steps beyond the programme support.
- Become part of the Smart Nano NI Alumni, with access to curated events and workshops beyond the programme.
Who will be running the Smart Nano NI Technology Access Programme?
Digital Catapult is delivering the programme as part of the Smart Nano NI consortium.
What is Smart Nano NI?
Smart Nano NI is a Northern Ireland consortium which aims to develop game-changing advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing methods to deliver new technologies. The consortium shares a niche capability around nanomanufacturing and world-leading knowledge in photonics.
The consortium has been awarded £42.4m by UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund. The total project value including leveraged funding from other sources is £63.9m. Our collaboration is aimed at driving self-sustaining local industry and economic growth through research and innovation.
Who can apply to the programme?
Established startups or SMEs that can clearly identify a need for upskilling in Industrial Photonics or 5G/Future Network Technologies, and/or how said technologies can contribute to solving a challenge or challenges that they are willing to identify within their organisation.
What are the eligibility criteria for the programme?
Applicants must:
- Be a UK registered company
- Be interested in exploring or adopting 5G(Future Networks) or Photonics.
- Be available for the full programme
- Be within State Aid allowances (maximum amount €300,000 for NI companies and £315,000 for UK companies).
What are the key dates for the programme?
Open call timeline:
- Call opens: 21st October 2024
- Briefing webinar: 12th November 2024
- Call closes: 5th December 2024
- Review and score applications: Mid December 2024
- Complete follow up interview/ call: Mid December 2024
- Decisions communicated: Late December 2024
- Start date: 6th January 2025
- End date: 31st March 2025
What is the deadline for applications to be submitted?
5 December 2024 at 23:59
What happens if my application is successful?
If your application is successful, you will be notified by email. An onboarding pack will also be sent to you prior to the programme commencing in early January 2025.
Who are the judges and when will I hear back on the result of my application?
Applications will be judged by a team of experts from Digital Catapult. Successful applicants will be informed on the result of their applications by week commencing 16 December 2024.
Where will the programme be based?
This programme will be delivered in a flexible and hybrid approach tailored to the needs of your business.
Consultation sessions with Technologists can be conducted remotely, in-person at your facility and via workshops to take place at North West Regional College’s Industry 4.0 Centre in Derry~Londonderry.
Industry mentoring provided by Smart Nano NI consortium members will follow a similar methodology and may include in-person visits to their facilities too.
How do I apply to join the programme?
Please follow the link provided to complete the simple application form:
https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/apply/open-calls/opportunity/smart-nano-technology-access-programme
Does my company need to be UK or NI registered to apply?
Yes. Your company must be registered on Companies House as a UK or Northern Ireland business.
What if I am currently involved in another accelerator programme or have been involved in a previous Digital Catapult programme?
Participation in accelerators or other start-up support programmes does not preclude you from taking part in this programme.
If you have been part of any previous Digital Catapult programme you are welcome to join this one.
For other programmes your participation will be dependent on the terms of the programme itself, the capacity of your team and what you have agreed to in the terms and conditions. De minimis funding will also need to be considered when applying to join the programme.
What is the selection criteria?
The selection criteria to assess and select application submissions are detailed below, each has the same weighting (25% per question) and forms 50% of the overall evaluation.
Application stage
Problem and Solution
The applicant should demonstrate that their company is addressing a clear problem, as well as applying advanced technologies to tackle the challenges in their selected focus areas.
Growth Potential
The company should be capable of identifying the key demand and growth areas for their solution and its demographics.
Business Strategy
The company should be able to articulate its revenue model and who its customers are.
Ability to Execute
The company and its employees should have the necessary experience and skill to consistently develop, deliver and commercialise their solution.
Interview stage
Following assessment of your application, a follow up interview will be conducted via Zoom to explore your proposed plans in greater detail.
The interview forms 50% of the evaluation and will be conducted with a relevant Technologist aligned to your application alongside a member of the Innovation Practice team. We aim to conclude follow up interviews by 13th December 2024.
During the application process we reserve the right to conduct enhanced financial or legal due diligence to ensure applicants will be able to meet all commitments.
Will Digital Catapult take equity in the participating companies?
No, Digital Catapult does not take equity in participating companies.
How is my information treated?
The application information will be used by Digital Catapult in compliance with GDPR regulations. It will only be used for the purposes of the programme and its evaluation, and will be securely retained by Digital Catapult only for the duration of the programme.
How is the programme funded?
The programme has been made possible by the Smart Nano NI consortium, which has been awarded £42.4m UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund. The total project value including leveraged funding from other sources is £63.9m.
Do you provide funding for participants?
No, there is no funding provided.
Is travel and subsistence covered for subsistence?
No, unfortunately the terms of our funding dictate that we are unable to support travel and subsistence for participants.
What resources are made available to participants during the programme?
- Demonstrations and detailed overviews of Smart Manufacturing technologies for industry and specific use cases
- Use of Photonics equipment and a 5G Testbed at North West Regional College.
- Off-site visits may be scheduled to partner’s facilities, such as Seagate Technology, Derry~Londonderry
- 1-2-1 time with dedicated Technologists, covering Photonics and Future Networks.
- Delivery of a tailored Technology Adoption Roadmap to assist with future development of your plans
- Access to industry mentors from across the Smart Nano NI consortium
What will be the outputs of this programme for my business?
Participants will develop higher level skills in smart technologies, and will have the insight on how to use these technologies to solve the challenges or address the opportunities identified.
Digital Catapult will support the applicants on creating a technology adoption roadmap to put this plan into action.
Upon completion of the programme, a prototype or Proof of Concept should be developed which can be tested with potential clients in live business environments prior to launch or commercialisation.
Applicants will become Alumni of Digital Catapult and will be signposted to other relevant programmes and sources of useful information.
You will also have the chance to be involved in communications and publicity around the programme, resulting in increased exposure for your business.
How will matters of commercial sensitivity be managed by the programme team?
- All the information you share with the Innovation Team will be confidential
- Only share what you feel comfortable with
- Participants may be asked to sign non-disclosure agreements