The Government Grant for Research and Development

The Government Grant for Research and Development provides finance to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in England to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

There are four  types of grant available within the scheme, each supporting different types of research and development project, and each requires the applicant to make their own contribution to the project costs:

Micro projects  are simple, low-cost development projects lasting no longer than 12 months. A grant of up to £20,000 is available to businesses with fewer than ten employees.
Research projects aim to investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of innovative technology and last six to 18 months. A grant of up to £100,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
Development projects  aim to develop a pre-production prototype of a new product or process that involves a significant technological advance. Projects take six to 36 months. A grant of up to £250,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 250 employees.
Exceptional development projects  involve a significant technological advance and are strategically important for a particular technology or industrial sector. Projects take six to 36 months. A negotiable grant of up to £500,000 is available to businesses with a qualifying project.