The SNSF has received 27 applications in response to the first call for proposals for precoR. The initiative finances basic science projects aimed at commercial application which are not yet sufficiently advanced to be strategically (co-)managed by industry partners.
The option of acquiring funding for projects in the transition phase between basic research and plannable product development has met with a very positive response. By mid-March, 27 applications were submitted by applicants from 13 institutions in response to the pilot call, which was limited to materials science and fabrication technology. The applicants have requested a total amount of CHF 13.8 million, whereas the total available budget is CHF 2 million.
The SNSF will evaluate the submitted proposals in the coming months together with the Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) as well as representatives of industry and make the relevant funding decisions by the end of July 2014.
As a pilot programme, the precoR initiative 2013 is limited to proposals in Materials Science or Fabrication Technology. The pilot programme precoR may be continued as a larger funding initiative for precompetitive research in the future.
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