UKRI-3977 Monitoring Services Provider Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)

ICURe aims to tackle several barriers to the commercialisation of university research through the delivery of a programme of

commercialisation support, for teams of academic researchers wishing to explore the commercial potential of research originating in

universities. The programme has the following objectives:

• Increase the probability of the successful commercialisation of academic research, options signposting, and the spinning out of high

potential new companies, and

• Develop entrepreneurial skills and market knowledge in a new cadre of early career researchers.

The Exploit Follow on Funding is the final stage of ICURe. This fund is for teams who have successfully completed the ICURe training and been

assessed as ready to spin out. They can apply for a competed grant award to establish their business and support commercialisation activities

that will help them attract further investment to grow and develop their business. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

ICURe aims to tackle several barriers to the commercialisation of university research through the delivery of a programme of

commercialisation support for teams of academic researchers wishing to explore the commercial potential of research originating in

universities. The programme has the following objectives:

• increase the probability of the successful commercialisation of academic research, options signposting and the spinning out of high potential

new companies, and

• develop entrepreneurial skills and market knowledge in a new cadre of early career researchers.

The ICURe programme works with a number of delivery partners, including Universities and private organisations, to curate training and

support courses to develop researchers and teams planning on spinning out their research to be ready to establish businesses. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Talent and Skills is one of the strong foundations of the Innovate UK Plan for Action, underpinning all our core strategic themes. Talent and

Skills programmes aim to support innovative businesses in accessing and developing talent to realise the UK’s innovation ambition. We work

across the education and skills systems to ensure that opportunities created by our innovations can be harnessed to maximise their potential

for the economy and society. Programmes and projects in this space will be wide ranging, spanning regions and sectors, but will have a core

focus on supporting the talent and skills needed to underpin a thriving innovation ecosystem. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2)is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

As guidance this Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Targeted Programmes Lot includes projects funded to a diverse portfolio of innovators

and businesses who are solving a range of pressing societal, environmental, and economic challenges, in a variety of innovation areas.

Competitions will fund and support single applicants only, with a focus on attracting and supporting diverse communities of innovators, with

different backgrounds, experiences and pathways to innovation. An award will consist of both financial and mentoring support. The award will

enable awardees to take an important step in their innovation career through both project development and self-development. The

competitions will be to support those who are just beginning their career (for example Young Innovators), through to those making a step

change (for example Women in Innovation). The key theme underlying all applications will be that there will be a diverse cohort with different

needs and experiences in innovation. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Innovate UK is committed to providing inclusive support through reasonable adjustments to ensure equitable opportunities for all award

holders. Projects within this lot can come from any sector or competition and will require an MSP who can offer flexibility and adjustments

tailored to meet the diverse needs of awardees. This support could include (but is not limited to): in-person visits, use of alternative

communication methods such as British Sign Language, extra support to use IFS, use of alternative methods for quarterly reporting. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

As guidance, this lot supports innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data across a number of programmes and competitions. Artificial

Intelligence (AI) refers to a suite of computation technologies and techniques that aim to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving

capabilities. Progress in AI is underpinned by advances in algorithms, data and compute. Innovate UK funding supports innovation across a

breadth of AI techniques including machine learning, deep learning and generative AI.

Projects funded include:

• Innovative applications of cutting-edge AI and data technologies cross economy.
• Technologies to improve access to data or generation of datasets including synthetic data addressing issues such as privacy, security,

interoperability and standards.

• Innovative applications ensuring AI systems’ underpinning data and models are reliable and trustworthy addressing issues such as

fairness, bias, explainability, verification.

• Applications addressing the sustainability of AI systems e.g. algorithms that require less data and less compute power.
• Enabling growth through commercialisation including export sales and UK productivity.
• Reduction of barriers to entry.
• Creation of new business models and governance mechanisms to disrupt relevant markets. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Electronics and Photonics are fundamental which underpin a vast array of technologies from medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring,

power distribution, electrification, data centres, defence, telecoms, space, security, renewable energy, EVs, HPC etc.

Semiconductors play a major role in the implementation of these technologies and are the key hardware enablers for other critical

technologies. Technologies and innovations in those areas comprise the backbone and have a high impact on virtually all industries and

markets and offer some of the best opportunities for the UK to enhance productivity and efficiency gains across multiple areas of the

economy. Electronics, Photonics and Semiconductors Lot includes projects funded to produce:

• Electronic systems - Design & Manufacturing
• Power electronics
• Photonics
• Compound semiconductors
• Advanced packaging
• Advance semiconductor materials
• Semiconductor Design and IP
• Advanced semiconductor processes and manufacturing Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2)is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Robotics and sensors are enabling technologies that can be applied to any sector. For example, assisting with surgery, surveying

infrastructure, harvesting strawberries, recycling car batteries, or cleaning up low earth orbit. Robot technology can be robot arms, drones on

land, sea or air, automated machinery, humanoids. Sensors include non-destructive testing, environmental monitoring, cameras, proximity,

though beam, and many more. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

This lot supports innovation in the space, satellite and geospatial sectors. Projects funded include ground and space-based technologies and

services and include:

• Innovative applications of satellite derived data (satellite communications, earth observation, global navigation satellite system).
• Innovative applications of geospatial data. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Horizon Europe Guarantee Projects provide financial support to UK organisations participating in the EU’s research and innovation

programme, ‘Horizon Europe’. For a project assigned to this Lot, the UK organisation is a partner in a Europe-wide consortium, working on a

research, innovation or networking project. The scope, subject, Technology Readiness Level, budget and duration can all vary and can involve

all types of organisations such as universities, research organisations, industry including SMEs, Non-Government Organisations and charities,

as well as public organisations such as local authorities and government agencies.

The Guarantee uses predominantly EC rules on eligible costs, but some decisions are based on policies authorised by DSIT and general

Guarantee guidance. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Contracts for Innovation help to develop innovative solutions for challenges faced by the public sector, leading to improved efficiency and

effectiveness and better public services.

For successful organisations, they generate new business opportunities, provide a route to market for their ideas and bridge the funding gap

experienced by many early-stage companies. Contracts for Innovation support economic growth and enables the development of innovative

products and services through the public procurement of R&D services.

Contracts for Innovation awards are issued as contracts, with key milestones and deliverables agreed at the outset. Payments are made on

successful delivery of milestones. There is no requirement for match funding and all contracts are 100% funded by the contracting authority.

Contracts for Innovation was previously known as SBRI (The Small Business Research Initiative). Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

The Health & Care Lot covers a range of competitions and activities, such as the Biomedical Catalyst, to support the development of

innovative solutions to health and care challenges, as well as those with significant potential for positive economic impact. Solutions may

include (but are not limited to):

• Precision medicine (both therapy and diagnostic components)
• Advanced therapies (Cell & Gene Therapies)
• Diagnostics (in vitro, in vivo and including sensors and imaging)
• Medical devices & enabling technologies.
• Digital Health
• Healthy ageing
• Consumer health
• General Wellbeing

To support development of innovative technologies or processes that help address the following areas:

• Disease prevention and proactive management of health and chronic conditions
• Earlier and better detection and diagnosis of disease leading to better patient outcomes
• Tailored treatments that either change the underlying disease or offer potential cures Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

As guidance, this lot supports innovation in the Creative industries across a number of programmes and competitions. The creative industries

are those activities based on creativity, individual talent and skill, and that have the potential to create jobs and wealth through the

generation and exploitation of intellectual property. They include the the following subsectors:

• advertising and marketing
• animation
• architecture
• arts and culture
• crafts
• design
• fashion
• film, TV and video
• games
• publishing
• music and radio
• visual art and photography

Innovate UK funding supports innovation across a breadth technologies, methodologies and applications within these Creative Industries subsectors.

upt relevant markets Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Batteries for energy storage and transport is comprised of projects funded to support the design, development, manufacture and recycling of

batteries for the propulsion and energy storage. The sectors can include automotive, rail, marine, aerospace, defence, grid energy storage and

other related applications. The projects funded cover a wide technology scope for battery development across the value chain such as mining,

new materials, digital tools, cell design, systems integration, reuse and recycling. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

The Aerospace & Aviation Lot includes projects funded to provide investment in the next generation of aerospace and aviation technology

solutions that will provide significant breakthrough advances supporting new platforms or be able to enhance the competitiveness of existing

products or services, including cross-cutting technology sectors. Aiming to assist companies, particularly SME's and academia through:

• Accelerating the translation of new and acquired knowledge into commercial applications
• Targeting global competitive advantage and economic benefit across the supply chain for the UK civil aerospace sector
• Stimulating channels for appropriate knowledge flow between the science base and businesses in a manner that maximises relevant

technology push with market pull, driven by strong industrial need Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

The ATI (Aerospace Technology Institute) Programme represents a joint Government and Industry investment that seeks to maintain and

grow the UK’s competitive position in aerospace design and manufacture. It is principally a strategic programme addressing large-scale

technology and capability challenges over the medium to long term timeframe. The programme addresses civil aerospace, on-platform

applications with substantial focus given to the four technology roadmaps within UK aerospace strategy:

o Zero-Carbon Emission Aircraft Technologies

o Ultra-Efficient Aircraft Technologies

o Cross-cutting Enabling Technologies

o Non-CO2 Technologies

The programme is coordinated and managed by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Innovate UK and the Aerospace Technology

Institute. All three organisations work in close collaboration to deliver a coherent portfolio of projects to meet the objectives and priorities of

the UK aerospace strategy. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

The Food Lot is comprised of projects funded to produce innovative ways of enhancing food quality in the UK’s Food sector, comprised of

these subcategories:

• Enhanced nutritional value
• Reducing Sugar, Salt & Fat
• New/smarter ingredients
• Protein development
• Authenticity and Traceability
• Food Safety
• Smarter Packaging
• Modern methods of food manufacturing

These projects contribute to the UK through economic impact and societal impact in:

Enhancing food quality through, for example:

• quality assurance (supply chain assurance, traceability, food authenticity)
• nutrition (nutritional composition, diet-related disease)
• food science / technology (food microbiology, food processing, food preservation, packaging, waste)

General introduction to the skill matrix section:

A prospective Monitoring Services provider must demonstrate their capability and relevant experience to provide monitoring assurance of

projects addressing any of the scope described for this lot.

Monitoring Officers will be key personnel that will be required to interact with

senior stakeholders and provide value add to the project through their presence

and engagement. Demonstration of strategic thinking with self-motivation to

adapt and succeed whatever the challenge and with a focus on working with people to secure organisational results. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

The Agriculture Lot includes projects funded to produce innovative ways of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the UK’s Agriculture

sector, comprised of these sub-categories:

• arable farming (including horticulture and viniculture)
• livestock farming (including aquaculture)
• agricultural engineering
• agricultural genomics (including plant or animal breeding)
• agricultural economics
• harvesting technology
• on-farm storage

These projects contribute to the UK through economic impact and societal impact in:

Improving agriculture productivity: Through, for example, new breeding technologies, improved control of pests, weeds and pathogens and

the increased uptake of robotics/autonomous systems, satellites, sensors, and photonics

Agri-Tech centres:

Innovate UK works with the UK Agri-tech centre that cover:

• precision agriculture
• Agri-big data
• crop health and protection
• livestock excellence

There are already a few hundred agri-food companies clustered around this family of centres. Innovate UK works with these industry groups

to identify opportunities, connect players together and identify funding – particularly EU Horizon 2020 funding – signpost investors, support

the rollout of technology on farms and help unlock overseas markets. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

Cyber Security is a broad area that encompasses digital security, safety, resilience and integrity that collectively underlie the engineering,

deployment, operation, human factors and associated risk management of digital technologies, networks, systems as well as products and

services across consumer, enterprise and mission/safety-critical industrial applications. Examples of those applications range from connected

and autonomous vehicles, smart energy grids, future telecoms, defence and security.

Cyber Security can be sought at various levels across technologies and innovations that involve security measures and safeguards to protect

from cyber-attacks data, hardware, software, networks, humans, processes, resources, infrastructure, supply chains and associated

interrelationships and interactions. Standards, guidelines, testing and certification, policy, regulation and skills are also part of cyber security’s

broad spectrum.

In this context, cyber security includes two main pillars, that of foundational cyber security (generally before deployment of systems, products

and services), and operational cyber security post-deployment and through-life operation. Main areas against each pillar include:

• Foundational cyber security: security by design principles, technologies, mechanisms and solutions; the reduction of attack surfaces in

digital technologies, products and services (security by default)

Operational cyber security: AI security and assurance; AI as defence mechanism; software supply chain security; security of crosscutting

internet of things (IoT), IT deployments and associated technology convergence; cyber resilience across critical industry

sectors, including industrial IoT and operational technologies (OT) Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

The railway industry is critical to the productivity of the UK. A total of 1.61 billion journeys totalling 60.1 billion passenger kilometres were

made by rail passengers in Great Britain last year (2023 - 2024) and around 7% of freight is carried by rail. Innovation is at the heart of keeping

this industry competitive and delivering to customer requirements. At the same time, the industry is hugely diverse in the range of

technologies it encompasses, covering infrastructure, rolling stock, customer experience and the wide range of components that deliver a

modern railway system. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

As guidance this Connected Transport Lot includes projects funded to produce:

• Innovations that improve network capacity, efficiency and reduced operational cost, while:
• balancing transport infrastructure peak demands
• connecting different transport modes, including active travel modes, for greater flexibility & reliability
• reducing logistics problems
• ensuring an inclusive and accessible transport network
• Innovations that offer products and services through greater system intelligence in existing transport networks
• Innovations that future-proof transport infrastructure for advanced vehicle technologies (reduced network operational costs for local

authorities and transport operators, and defragmented traffic management systems) Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

This Lot supports the UK Automotive sector. Strategically important areas include:

• Powertrain electrification
• Zero emission (including heavy duty) vehicles for freight
• Hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen internal combustion engine technologies
• Automotive Ancillary systems
• Automotive Light weighting
• Automotive Electric Machines & Power Electronics
• Energy storage (including batteries) for Automotive vehicle applications
• Other highly disruptive automotive technology

This lot includes, but is not limited to, the following on-vehicle technologies for on-road and off-highway vehicles:

•BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) powertrain – tailored and general purpose

•Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles – tailored and general purpose

•Hydrogen internal combustion vehicles – tailored and general purpose

•Vehicle range extension – incl. fuel cell technologies

•Ancillary equipment – incl. zero emission refrigeration

•In some exceptional cases, low emission Internal Combustion Engine and biofuel technologies may be included. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

This new lot combines and replaces Lots 9 (Autonomous Vehicles) and 18 (Connected Vehicles) Autonomous & Connected Vehicles are a highprofile

area, with a fast developing and potentially massive global opportunity that is well aligned with UK skills and capabilities. There is a

large-scale opportunity for UK businesses, if they move quickly, to secure a significant part of this future market. Safety and security are key to

success, as is the ability to validate and verify technologies.

Projects supported by Innovate UK contribute not only to the growth in this area but also to the UK, through positive economic, societal and

environmental impacts. Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

This Lot covers innovation within the physical components and networks which can enable the zero emission (ZE) movement of people, goods

and services. ZE Infrastructure spans multiple transport modes including: on-road; off-highway; in-land waterway; maritime; rail and airport

infrastructure and involves Transport and Energy sector stakeholders.

Innovations in hardware, software and the processes required to facilitate the transition to ZE transport in order to meet the UK’s 2050 net

zero carbon target are covered in this Lot. Relevant technologies include, but are not limited to:

• Electric recharging – single and bi-directional (V2X), including shore power systems
• Hydrogen refuelling / alternative fuels refuelling Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).

The Net Zero Systems domain area aims to support innovative approaches, products and services beyond technology innovation to enable the

UK to prosper from being the fastest transitioning economy to Net Zero. Programmes include net zero living, financing net zero, urban

systems, areas including data and digitalisation, user-focussed products and services, climate adaptation and resilience, and infrastructure

systems such as water Additional information: Please see the procurement documents for the full specification.

It should be noted that Bidders can apply to the DPS at any point during its lifetime. The closure date stated in IV.2.2) is for the initial joining stage and Bidders can apply after this date (until the end date of the DPS).