Funding Intensity

• The type of organisation or collaboration undertaking the project: public or private
• The type of technology the project addresses (if the technology does not fall within the scope of the Seventh EU Framework programmes as outlined in 1986/2006/EC maximum funding levels may have to be reduced)
• How close the project is to commercial viability
• The percentage of the total project funded by other public bodies

Collaborative projects involving technology providers and exploiters (end-users) are particularly encouraged where this is likely to lead the more effective commercialisation of the technology.

• That your project demonstrates value for money
• That you meet the objectives outlined in the project plan
• That you have leveraged a high proportion of non-Carbon Trust funds. There is an expectation that those who stand to directly benefit from the work will contribute, in part, to the cost of undertaking it.

• Personnel costs: researchers, technicians and other supporting staff employed solely on the research activity
• Instruments, equipment, land and premises used solely and on a continual basis (except where transferred commercially) for research activity
• Services: cost of consultancy and equivalent services used exclusively for the research activity, including the research, technical knowledge and patents, etc. bought from outside sources
• Additional overheads incurred directly as a result of the research activity
• Other operating expenses: materials, supplies and similar products incurred directly as a result of the research activity
• Patenting costs – The costs of filing, prosecuting and maintaining all IP generated as part of the project are considered business expenses and are therefore not eligible costs.
• The cost of generating the information required for the application of a patent is an eligible cost where the IP is developed as part of the project.
• Obtaining licenses to use relevant background IP for the project is an eligible cost.

• Profit
• Bonuses
• Interest payments of any kind
• Dividend payments
• Loss of salaries, revenue or consultancy income
• Production and sales costs
• Recoverable VAT
• Direct sales and marketing costs.

When is the Carbon Trust’s grant repayable?

Funding Appeal

Non-Exclusivity and Confidentiality Policy

The Carbon Trust may award grants to businesses that compete with each other; however we are always careful to ensure that information disclosed to it in confidence is treated in accordance with its funding contracts.

EU Framework for State Aid for Research & Development & Innovation

The funding made available under this scheme has been cleared as compatible with the common market under this EU framework. All grant funding awarded to Private Sector organisations must be compliant with this EU framework. Applications that do not comply with this framework cannot be funded.

This framework was replaced from 1 January 2007 by the EU Framework for State Aid for Research & Development & Innovation (2006/C323/01). The EC’s clearance of this scheme was conditional, in particular, on amendments being made to the scheme to take into account the provisions of the new framework including ceasing regional bonuses (which are not available under the new framework). Applicants are also referred to the new framework, and applications should also comply with this.

Non-Compliance of EU State Aid Legislation

• Satisfy yourselves that your application is compliant
• Seek qualified professional advice if unsure (the Carbon Trust does not supply legal advice)
• The Carbon Trust endeavours to check all applications for compliance but it does not accept liability for any breach

All queries and completed application forms should be sent to marinenews@carbontrust.co.uk.