The CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre (C-PIC) is based the Universities of Southampton and Glasgow, and STFC.

The C-PIC accelerates photonic innovation by providing fabrication services, startup support, R&D projects, networking, and training.

Its Innovation Fund, with funding from EPSRC, is here to support academic-led, commercially focused proposals for innovative silicon photonics solutions across all application areas.

The Centre wants to fund a wide range of projects from people across career stages and pathways, including early career research and technicians.

If you have an innovative proposal to make silicon photonics technology more available to improve everyday life, the Centre wants to hear from you!

Call summary

• Scope: academic-led projects to advance the adoption of silicon photonics or accelerate the commercial exploitation of silicon photonics
• Total fund: up to £500K in this call
• Project value: up to £100K full economic cost per project (fEC). C-PIC will fund 80% of the fEC, according to standard EPSRC costing
• Typical project duration: 6-12 months
• Notification: you will hear the outcome approximately one month after the closing date
• Project start date: within three months of receipt of your award letter
• Closing date for applications: 9th April, 16:00

Who can apply?

You can apply if you are employed at a UK research organisation in ant of the 12 UKRI role types, with a contract that lasts beyond the end of your proposed project. Early career awardees will be offered mentoring and training opportunities, whenever possible.

What types of projects will be funded?

Your project should be commercially focused and aim to accelerate the use of silicon photonics in real world applications. This may include disruptive and novel technologies, or large market opportunities.

Can industry participate?

Yes, as project partners. If your project is a Technology Readiness Intervention, you’ll need at least one named industry partner. The Centre is keen to see collaborations with startups, SMEs, and large companies across a range of sectors. Industry project partners should have a UK presence and are expected to contribute to the project (cash/in-kind).

Does the project have to be about PICs?

Your project does not have to include Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), PIC technology or PIC fabrication directly, providing you explain how it relates to the Centre’s longer term objective to translate silicon photonics technologies from research labs into industry.

How can you apply?

You should submit your proposal using the online form by the deadline of 9th April, 16:00. You should read the call carefully before starting your application as it explains what they are looking for in each of the questions and how they will be assessed.

To read the call and apply, visit: www.cornerstone.sotonfab.co.uk/innovation-fund