Integrated Photonics Bootcamp in collaboration with Smart Nano NI Terms and Conditions

1) DIGITAL CATAPULT

Digital Catapult is the UK authority on advanced digital technology. Through collaboration and innovation, we accelerate industry adoption to drive growth and opportunity across the economy.

We bring together an expert and enterprising community of researchers, startups, scaleups and industry leaders to discover new ways to solve the big challenges limiting the UK’s future potential. Through our specialist programmes and experimental facilities, we make sure that innovation thrives, and the right solutions make it to the real world.

Our goal is to accelerate new possibilities in everything we do and for every business we partner with throughout the journey – breaking down barriers, de-risking innovation, opening up markets and responsibly shaping the products, services and experiences of the future.

Digital Catapult works with organisations on projects involving at least one of the technologies from its “Advanced Digital Technology Stack”: Artificial Intelligence, Immersive, Internet of Things, Distributed Ledger Technologies, 5G/Future Networks and Quantum Technologies.

 

2) PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

2.1 The Programme

Digital Catapult, in collaboration with the Smart Nano NI consortium, is pleased to host a Photonics Bootcamp at the UK Digital Twin Centre, in Belfast (“Programme”). This immersive, in-person training programme aims to address the critical skills gap in integrated photonics across Northern Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.

Over two days, participants will receive hands-on training in photonic chip design, testing, and applications—delivered by Light Trace Photonics and Smart Nano NI Consortium Partners. The bootcamp covers essential topics including photonic integrated circuits, insertion loss, polarisation, thermo-optic phase shifting, and validation processes.

 

2.2 Programme Objectives

The Programme aims to upskill local engineers, raise awareness of the potential of photonic technologies, and lay the groundwork for innovation across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agri-tech, and communications.

 

2.3 Programme Judges

During the application stage, the judges will be responsible for scoring the applications according to the process and criteria set out in these Competition Terms. The judges will be chosen based on their experience and expertise. The Programme Judges comprise:

Internal Judges: A number of judges from Digital Catapult will help judge the applications.

 

2.4 The Programme Partners

The following organisations are partnering with Digital Catapult to deliver the Programme:

Programme Funders: Digital Catapult is working as InnovateUK’s delivery partner on this IUK funded programme.  InnovateUK is the UK’s innovation agency, and is part of UK Research and Innovation.

Programme Collaboration Partners: e.g. Digital Catapult is working in collaboration with the following Programme Collaboration Partners on the Programme: Yelo, Seagate and Queen’s University Belfast. These Programme Collaboration Partners may support the Programme through delivery of relevant talks during the Programme.

 

2.5 Applicants & Participants

You are considered an “Applicant” if you apply to this competition.

You are considered a “Participant” if you are successful with your application and complete all pre-Project activities (e.g. signing the Programme Agreement).

 

3) PROGRAMME BENEFITS

Participants in the Programme will receive the following benefits:

• Gain In-Demand Skills – Get hands-on experience with integrated photonics, a fast-growing field driving advancements in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, agri-tech, and communications.
• Learn from Experts – Benefit from in-person training delivered by leading specialists from Light Trace Photonics, covering real-world applications, design principles, and chip validation processes.
• Accelerate Innovation – Discover how photonic chips can solve industrial challenges and create new commercial opportunities for your business or research.
• Expand Your Network – Connect with other innovative companies, engineers, and researchers from across Northern Ireland, and engage directly with the Smart Nano NI consortium.
• Stay Competitive – Equip yourself or your team with emerging tech capabilities that will be crucial to staying competitive in the global innovation landscape.
• Learn about the journey and ambition of the Smart Nano NI consortium
• Upon successful completion of the Project, the opportunity to join the Digital Catapult Alumni Network, which keeps companies informed of opportunities and relevant updates from the Digital Catapult, and additional opportunities to engage other Alumni.

 

4) PROGRAMME OBLIGATIONS

Participants must be willing to commit to the following key obligations:

• Attend (in person) both full days of bootcamp training.

• Participant shall complete the Digital Catapult’s EDI Survey (please note each question will have a “prefer not to say” option).
• Participant agrees to be visibly (name and logo) associated with the Programme, whilst in the Programme, and afterwards as a former participant and beneficiary.  This includes marketing collateral, such as website, print and digital materials.
• For a maximum period of five years following the Project end date, Participant shall use its reasonable endeavours to answer specific questions from Digital Catapult relating to its growth and progress to assist Catapult demonstrate the impact of its activities. This shall include: (i) participation in an annual telephone conversation of one hour, and (ii) participation in a two early survey issued by Digital Catapult.

 

5) APPLICANTS

5.1 Minimum Requirements

• Applicants must be a 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.
• Applicants must be eligible to receive £914.79 (equivalent to €1,081.74) in State Assistance per individual participant.
• Applicants must have the demonstrable need or desire to develop solutions enabled, supported or augmented by from Industrial Photonics.

 

5.2 What we’re looking for

Established startups or SMEs that can clearly identify a need for upskilling in Industrial Photonics that can contribute to solving a challenge or challenges that they are willing to identify within their organisation.

 

6) KEY DATES

• Open Call – Applications Open – 1 July 2025
• Open Call – Application Deadline – 8 August 2025
• Interviews – week commencing 11 August 2025
• Intended notification of all Applicants – 13 August 2025
• Intended public announcement of successful Participants: 29 August 2025
• Programme:
  • Start Date: 15 September 2025
  • End Date: 16 September 2025

 

7) THE APPLICATION

7.1 What information should my application contain?

Applicants must answer all required questions in the full online application form.

 

7.2 Who will see my Application?

The following people will see your application:

Catapult Representatives: Relevant Catapult representatives will see your application in order to assess the application, and otherwise in the administration of your application and, if successful, participation in the Programme.

The Programme Judges will see your full application including personal information fields.

 

7.3 Key contact

Applicant will appoint a main contact for the Programme (“Key Contact”). This person will be Digital Catapult’s main point of contact for the competition and, if successful, Applicant’s Programme activities, including: workshop and event commitments, team members’ availability, ongoing activities, and assessment of progress during and after the Programme.

Digital Catapult will use this personal information for the purpose of carrying out due diligence on Applicants prior to the point of selection onto the Programme and to notify successful and unsuccessful Applicants over their submissions. The personal data we collect may be shared with and processed by (i) Programme Judges for the purpose of assessing the Applications; and (ii) Programme Partners and third party service providers for the provision of benefits to the Participants in the Programme, as set out in these Competition Terms. 

 

7.4 Submitting your application

You must submit your application via Skipso form (“Submission Method”).

All applications must be submitted via the Submission Method by the Application Deadline.

Once your completed application has been received, Digital Catapult will send you a confirmation receipt by email. If you do not get a receipt within twenty four (24) hours of the next working day, please email us at [email protected] with the subject ”Smart Nano NI Photonics Bootcamp Application Submission”.

 

 7.5 Digital Catapult’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion Survey

In addition to your application, you will be required to complete Digital Catapult’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion Survey (‘Survey’). Whilst the completion of this Survey is mandatory, please note that your responses to this Survey will be kept separately from your application and will have no effect whatsoever on your application to the Programme.

Digital Catapult (as the Data Controller) will collect and process your personal data, including the following special category data to help Digital Catapult improve its services in respect of equality, diversity and inclusion:

• Racial and/or ethnic origin
• Sexual orientation
• Health (including disability)
• Religious and/or philosophical beliefs

The data collected and processed may be shared with relevant third parties and/or published but only in an aggregated form, which means you will not be personally identifiable.

Your personal data will be kept for 15 months from the time you respond to the Survey. Should you apply to another of Digital Catapult’s opportunities within the 15 month period, we will provide you with the option to allow us to re-use the data we already hold, to resubmit the Survey or to delete your Survey data. If you choose to complete the Survey again, we will keep your updated data for 15 months from the time you resubmit the Survey.

Please note you are responsible for the accuracy of the data you share with Digital Catapult and you agree to inform us if your data needs to be updated.

For more information on Digital Catapult’s collection, use and protection of your personal data and your rights in regards to your personal data, please see Digital Catapult’s privacy policy (https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/privacy-policy) or contact us at [email protected]. If you have specific queries on our use of your Survey data (including a request to delete your Survey data), please contact us at [email protected].

 

8. SELECTION

8.1 Qualification

The Catapult will undertake an initial assessment of the Applicants against the Programme Requirements.

 

8.2 Selection process

Stage 1 – Initial Review

All qualifying applications will be reviewed and scored on the criteria outlined below by the Programme Judges. The highest-ranking Applicants will be invited to Stage 2.

Stage 2 – Interview

Shortlisted Applicants will be invited to interviews which will take place week commencing 11 August 2025. Applicants will be scored during the interview on the criteria outlined below. The final score will be made up of 70% from Stage 1 and 30% from Stage 2. Generally, the highest ranked Applicants will be accepted onto the Programme, but Digital Catapult reserves the right to select the cohort on a portfolio basis to ensure the Programme as a whole is able to deliver consistent support and activities that provide value to all Participants and optimise the impact of the Programme.

 

8.3 Application Scoring criteria and weighting

The scoring criteria will be assessed based on statements in the areas below. Each criterion will be scored on a range from 0 to 5. 0 being an “Unacceptable or No submission” score for each criterion and 5 being an “Excellent” score for each criterion. This scoring will be applied to all applications and will be weighted as set out below:

There are 6 criteria upon which applicants will be assessed:

1. Relevance of Background – 20%

Applicants should demonstrate strong experience in photonics or related technologies.

2. Motivation & Intent – 20%

Applicants should demonstrate a clear and compelling reason for attending and goals align with programme.

3. Potential for Impact / Application – 20%

Applicants should articulate a strong potential to apply knowledge gained in industry, research or business

4. Industry Relevance – 15%

Applicants should provide details on how they directly align with their target sectors e.g. manufacturing, health, agri-tech, etc

5. Commitment to Attend – 15%

Applicants must confirm they can attend and have full availability for both bootcamp days.

6. Engagement with Ecosystem – 10%

Applicants must confirm their strong interest in collaborating with Smart Nano NI or similar networks.

Furthermore, Participants will be selected on a portfolio basis to ensure the Programme is able to deliver consistent support and activities that provide value to all Participants.

 

8.4 Due diligence

We will carry out due diligence on applicants prior to the point of selection onto the Programme. Applicants must be willing to submit further information or documentation upon request to qualify as ‘successful’.

 

8.5 Successful applicants

Successful applicants will be notified and provided with a standard agreement for review and execution (“Programme Agreement”).

The Programme Agreement is a standard agreement and not negotiable.  We do try and ensure these contracts are fair and reasonable.

In order to be accepted onto the Programme, successful applicants must sign the Programme Agreement.

 

9 COMPETITON TERMS – SPECIFIC

9.1 Benefits

All the benefits provided under the Programme by third-party organisations (“Suppliers”) are subject to the Supplier’s terms and conditions stated in the Programme T&Cs.

Any optional benefits provided by third party organisations whose terms and conditions are not contained in the Programme T&Cs will be agreed between the Participant and the Supplier directly.

Digital Catapult reserves the right to amend the list of benefits at its sole discretion.

 

9.2 State Assistance

Participants shall receive the grant as Minimal Financial Assistance (“MFA”), or to the extent applicable under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the de minimis aid regulations (COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 1407/2013), collectively referred to herein as “State Assistance.

The total State Assistance received or due to be received by an individual Participant (including any associated companies e.g. subsidiaries), originating from a United Kingdom source, must not exceed £315,000, or €200,000 (approximately £165,000) for Northern Ireland Companies (or any other company subject to the Northern Ireland Protocol), each in aggregate across the Participant’s current fiscal year (as at the Agreement Date) and the previous two fiscal years.

This Programme has been assessed as providing £914.79 per Participant. / approximately equivalent to €1,081.74

Before signing the Programme Agreement, Applicants will therefore be asked to sign a declaration confirming that you are eligible to receive the State Assistance.

 

9.3 Accessibility

We aim to make all of our programmes accessible. We welcome feedback as to how we may be able to improve the accessibility of our programmes in the future. If you have any feedback with regards to accessibility, please send your feedback by email to: [email protected]. Your feedback may be used by us in our programmes and activities.

 

9.4 Applicants

Digital Catapult reserves the right to accept any application which does not fulfil the minimum requirements.

 

9.5 Key Dates

Digital Catapult reserves the right to change the Key Dates at its sole discretion. No extension to deadlines will usually be granted, with very limited exceptions where the Applicant requests an extension due to reasonable extenuating circumstances, beyond the Applicant’s control and unforeseen to them, subject to the Applicant providing evidence that proves the extenuating circumstance; and the Applicant informing Digital Catapult as soon as reasonably practicable following the extenuating circumstance becoming apparent. Digital Catapult reserves the right to consider the factors and decide whether such circumstances are extenuating and whether granting an extension is fair to other applicants. No extension granted will usually be for greater than two working days.

 

9.6 Applications

All information and documents requested must be submitted. Failure to submit all requested information and documents may result in the application being rejected.  Catapult will not use outside information in respect of your application unless otherwise indicated, other than to undertake due diligence.  Digital Catapult reserves the right to not work with people or an organisation which it believes could impact its reputation.

 

9.7  Previous Applications

Not used.

 

9.8  Personal Data

Digital Catapult is the Controller for the personal information submitted in the Application for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR.

In submitting the Application, the Applicant confirms that it has made the Key Contact and any other person whose personal data has been submitted, aware of, and has the lawful grounds to enable each Controller (including its processors) to, process the personal information of the Key Contact (and any other person named in the Application and open call process) as set out in these Competition Terms and in accordance with the respective privacy policies: Digital Catapult (https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/privacy-policy/)

 

9.9 Programme Agreement

Digital Catapult reserves the right to make amendments to the Programme Agreement it issues up until the point of execution by both parties.

 

 9.10 Participant Programmes

Digital Catapult reserves the right to offer Participants access to its Participant Programmes, such as its Platinum Awards.

 

10. COMPETITION TERMS – GENERAL

10.1 Data Retention

Digital Catapult will store your application and the scoring it has received for the entire duration of the Programme, or up to two (2) years, whichever the greater.  If you are a successful Applicant, we shall also store your Application for a period of up to seven (7) years following the end of the Programme.  For administration purposes, contracts may be stored for up to seven (7) years, contracts providing State Assistance for up to eleven (11) years, and deeds for up to thirteen (13) years from the end of the Programme.

 

10.2 Confidentiality

The information provided in your Application will be kept confidential and only used and disclosed as reasonably necessary for the purpose of assessing Applications, and, if admitted onto the Programme, for working with you in the Programme.  This may include with our Programme Partners as indicated above.

For practical reasons, NDAs will not be signed by Digital Catapult or the Programme Partners as part of this Programme Competition. The activities we provide can only be achieved through trust of the tech community. It is therefore not in our interest to release your sensitive information. Confidentiality provisions are included in the Programme Agreement.

The scoring of your Application will be treated as sensitive information.

As your Application will be transmitted over the Internet, ultimately Digital Catapult cannot guarantee its security.

 

10.3 Intellectual Property

We respect the intellectual property of others and we ask our Applicants to do the same.

In submitting the Application, you promise that you have and continue to have all necessary rights, licenses, permissions and consent to provide the content in your application to us, and for Catapult to use the Application as we have set out.

We will not remove from Applications any proprietary labels or copyright assertions.

 

10.4 Disclaimers, Exclusions & Limitations

We accept no liability for any consequences, whether direct or indirect, that may arise from your participation in the Programme Competition, your reliance on any statements we may have made about your application, the Programme, or its suspension or withdrawal.

In any case, to the extent permitted under law, Digital Catapult’s liability shall be limited to one thousand (£1,000) pounds.

 

10.5 Entire Agreement

These Competition Terms constitute the entire agreement between Digital Catapult and the Applicant and extinguish all previous and contemporaneous agreements, promises, assurances, and understandings between them, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of these Competition Terms

 

10.6 Jurisdiction

The Programme Competition is governed by English law.

Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Competition Terms, including any question regarding their existence, validity or termination, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the London Court of International Arbitration Rules, which Rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this clause.

The number of arbitrators shall be one.

The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be London.

The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English.

The physical location of the arbitration shall be London, where Digital Catapult is defending proceedings, and either London or Belfast where the Participant is defending proceedings, as elected by the Participant.