Genecom Limited Doherty Innovation Centre Pentland Science Park Bush Loan PENICUIK, EH26 OPZ
T: +44 (0) 131 445 6100
E: info@genecombio.com
Funding : Orphans Fund Eligibility
If you are thinking of applying for Orphans Fund money - read this section to find out more about eligibility and the types of projects that could be funded.
What type of project is eligible?
The Orphans Project was established to stimulate innovation in the life sciences sector and in sustainable and reneawble energy.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Due to the way in which the Orphans Project is funded there are two primary criteria which must be fulfilled by successful applicants:
- Any commercial success resulting from Orphans funded projects must show a tangible economic benefit for Scotland
- Orphans funded projects must show a 'capacilty benefit' for at least one of the partner institutes
What are grants given for?
The following list is non-exhaustive and Genecom will consider any application that both stimulates innovation in the life sciences within Scotland and utilises the facilities or expertise of one or more of the partner organisations, the Moredun Research Institute, the Institute for Animal Health, the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Roslin Foundation.
Grants will be considered:
- from SMEs wishing to work with scientists at the Moredun Research Institute, Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI)or Institute for Animal Health
- For the costs of experimental work such as is necessary to demonstrate proof of concept which is carried out by one of Moredun, SCRI or the Institute for Animal Health or in the facilities of the Roslin BioCentre, Pentlands Science Park or Institute for Animal Health and which benefits the life sciences industry in Scotland.
- for the costs of occupation of facilities on the Roslin BioCentre, Pentlands Science Park or Institute for Animal Health by SMEs, small businesses or scientists wishing to develop innovation in the life sciences and/or sustainable energy sectors which creates innovation in these sectors that may or is likely to bring economic benefit for Scotland.
- for assistance with Company Start-up for individuals wishing to develop a life science business or addressing sustainable energy resources and that also utilises the facilities of the Roslin BioCentre, Pentlands Science Park or the expertise available in Moredun, IAH or from the Roslin Foundation
- for SMEs wishing to develop new innovation in the animal health sector, crop science, veterinary field or sustainable energy sectors based on existing products in a portfolio that would otherwise not be tried for this purpose and that therefore demonstrates additionality
- to recruit experienced management, consultants or mentors to assist the growth of the company
- for feasibility studies
- for intellectual property management
- to develop prototypes
- for understanding a new market
- to establish a new company as part of a joint venture between an existing business and either the Moredun Research Institute or the Roslin Foundation
- for scientists at Moredun the Scottish Crop Research Institute or the Institute for Animal Health wishing to take leave of absence or a sabatical to develop a business plan or initiative in their area of expertise
- for scientists of the Moredun Research Institute, Scottish Crop Research Institute or Institute for Animal Health wishing to be seconded to a Scottish SME or business in the life sciences or sustainable energy sectors
- for scientists within Scottish SME's wishing to be seconded into the Moredun Research Institute, Scottsih Crop Research Institute, Institute for Animal Health or to work with the Roslin Foundation
- for individual entrepreneurs to carry out a commercialization project in which an employee of one of the partner institutes has an active interest – in this case the employee will act as a sponsor for the project and act as a champion of the idea
When a Grant may not be considered
The project was established to stimulate innovation in the life-sciences. We would not normally consider an application from an SME or Collaborating Party to support the day-to-day business of the enterprise for example premises expansion. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate additionality and to gain the support of one of the collaborating parties.
A note about VAT
Genecom has received guidance from ESEP Ltd regarding when VAT may be claimed as an eligible item to be included in grant claims for individuals or SME's in receipt of Orphans grants.
For a full explanation of the claims process and VAT, please review the National Rules on Eligibility of Expenditure on the ESEP web-site. In summary, VAT does not constitute eligible expenditure except where it is genuinely and definitively borne by the final beneficiary. In order for Genecom to make make payment of claims that include VAT as an expense incurred, all recipients of grants must provide evidence in the form of an official letter from their accountant, auditor or HMRC that they are not VAT registered and thus cannot recover the VAT borne by them.