Industry Sprint Application Process

Expected Outcomes

Industry Sprints rapidly advance research towards validation and practical use. They aim to facilitate knowledge transfer to UK industry, support the creation of spin-out companies, attract venture capital investment, and enable uptake by industry.

The programme addresses pressing industrial challenges through focused, time-bound projects. It provides researchers with opportunities to lead collaborative teams across institutions while building strong connections with both academic and industry stakeholders.

Eligibility

The Faraday Institution welcomes approaches at any time from:

• Industry organisations that would like to get involved with Faraday Institution research projects. Prospective industry partners should contact [email protected] to discuss their proposal.
• Researchers seeking to commercialise research outcomes with industry partners. All potential applicants must discuss potential proposals with Faraday Institution before applying and should contact the team at [email protected].

Funding Available

Industrial Sprint projects are expected to have total values between £50,000 and £160,000. Requests for larger projects, or those outside the usual timescales, may be considered subject to discussion and agreement with the Faraday Institution prior to application. Industry contributions, both cash and ‘in-kind’, are expected to be included in the overall project plan. Unless otherwise agreed with the Faraday Institution, Projects must start on 1st October 2026, include a named PDRA, and be delivered within a 6–12 month duration.

Application Process

The application process for the call open in the summer of 2026 is:

1. Potential applicants are invited to discuss submissions with the Faraday Institution who will seek advice from industry partners and expert panel members on the wider application and value of the Sprint project and seek to shape the opportunity in collaboration with the applicant ([email protected]).
2. Applicants will then be invited to complete a short application form covering the technical challenge, technical project approach, commercial relevance, expected outcomes, impact on the UK battery market and project organisation. Applications may be submitted during the month prior to the deadline using Flexigrant. If you have any questions about the Flexigrant system, please contact [email protected].
3. The Faraday Institution will convene an assessment panel to review applications. The expected timeline is that panels will review submissions submitted before 31^st July and notify applicants by 21st September. Applicants may be invited to discuss their application with members of the panel. The panel will treat the applications and any discussions as confidential.
4. The applications will be judged on their potential impact on the UK battery industry considering factors such as:
   • • Commercialisation potential (likelihood of success) and delivery of a defined end point that delivers an outcome useful to UK industry.
     • The extent to which the research project objectives align to the Faraday Institution mission and intended outcomes of the call.
     • The quality and clarity of the work proposed.
     • The quality of the project management and governance arrangements.
     • The commercial, societal and academic impact of the research.
     • Value for money of the research programme as assessed.
     • Budget justification and availability of Faraday Institution funds.

   The Faraday Institution reserves the right to take a portfolio approach to optimise the total impact when finalising the successful projects.

5. For successful applications, an offer of funding will be made that may be conditional on satisfactory progress. The Faraday Institution will offer additional support such as publicity and introductions to funders, customers and providers of business support.
6. The amount of funding offered may be different to the amount requested and the Faraday Institution may propose changes to the scope of work included for financing.
7. The Faraday Institution will endeavour to give unsuccessful applications feedback on the outcome of the assessment. As a minimum there will be a summary of panel results. The Faraday Institution is not obliged to enter any further discussions with any applicant.