Innovate UK is to invest up to £8 million in collaborative R&D projects to stimulate the development of regenerative medicines and cell therapies in the UK.

The aim of this competition is to address the challenges of developing regenerative medicines and cell therapies as clinical treatments and commercial products. We are seeking proposals that advance the development and commercialisation of novel regenerative medicines and cell therapies. The focus is on the preclinical testing, clinical development and manufacture of regenerative medicines and cell therapies, and the development of underpinning tools and technologies.

Proposals must be collaborative and led by a business. Innovate UK expect to fund mainly industrial research projects. Small businesses could receive up to 70% of their eligible project costs, medium-sized businesses 60% and large businesses 50%.

It is expected projects will range in size from total costs of £500,000 to £2.5 million, although projects outside this range may be considered.

This is a two-stage competition that opens for applicants on 8 July 2015. The deadline for expressions of interest is at noon on 2 September 2015.

There will be a briefing webinar for potential applicants on 16 July 2015.

For further details and registration at the briefing event follow the link here..