Do you have an idea that could make a difference if you had the funding and support to realise it?

Do you need financial, commercial or marketing assistance to realise project potential?

The University of Ulster's Office of Innovation is now calling for applications for the 2010/11 Proof of Principle (POP) programme.

Director of Innovation Tim Brundle (pictured) said: "We are seeking applications from academic and research staff for new project ideas as well as existing projects in need of further support.

"The kind of projects we are seeking must be a) innovative, b) supported by preliminary findings, c) address a market need, d) have commercial promise, and e) can be completed within six months.

"In return, we offer up to £10k in financial support, market research assistance, and guidance towards further funding and commercial development. "

The anticipated outcome from the POP programme is projects with the potential to secure applied R&D funding such as proof of concept*, carbon trust funding and/or a commercial business proposal.

Expressions of interest with a short outline of the project should be submitted to Ms Caroline McGoran at c.mcgoran@ulster.ac.uk no later than 20 October, 2010. Expressions of interest must be submitted before a project can be considered for funding.

A member of the Office of Innovation team will meet investigators who have submitted an expression of interest to discuss and help them develop their application.

Application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from the Office of Innovation website at:

http://oi.ulster.ac.uk/innovation-services/-support-for-academics/technology-commercialisation/proof-of-principle/

Closing date for applications is 17 November 2010 with successful projects notified by 30 November 2010.

*funding currently under review