Proof of concept funding helps to develop technical and commercial readiness which demonstrates how new products, processes, services, or technologies can be commercialised and deliver real-world benefits for end users. It will help you get to a position where you can attract further public sector or private sector investment for later stage commercialisation and onto the market.
At this stage you should be:
- building a body of evidence to demonstrate the application of your product or service
- refining your work and its application
- testing your market
- getting data to enable you to create a proof of concept
Programmes in this area typically support activities such as prototype development, intellectual property management, market validation and spinout creation. Proof of Concept funding ensures that the benefits of research reach people, places and industries more quickly.
Funding for creating a proof of concept
The UKRI Proof of concept fund is to convert your idea into a product or service, run annually.
Discipline specific opportunities:
- Developmental Pathway Scheme translates medical research into patient benefits and has three application rounds a year
- Gap fund for support for medical product development to bridge the gap between the inception of a new idea and substantive funding
- Follow-on fund for bioscience research to turn research into a practical application, it has two rounds per year
Protect your idea
However you decide to commercialise your research you should protect your Intellectual Property (IP). You get automatic copyright protection for original work. You can apply for additional protection through GOV.UK by:
This should be done before publication. Protecting your IP as soon as possible gives you more flexibility to decide how to develop your product or service. It can increase the visibility of your research and demonstrates commercial potential.
Progressing your idea
Whilst you are creating a proof of concept you should be planning the route to commercialisation you want to take. You may create a spin-out, social enterprise or other venture or decide to license your IP to others.
Licensing
Licensing allows you to sell your idea to a company or other external third party. It works well for a single application in a known market.
Venture creation
A spin-out is a start-up company that is created based on intellectual property generated through the research organisation where you carried out your research. It is a common route for venture creation. Other forms of venture include social enterprises and not-for profits.
Last updated: 19 December 2025