This scheme aims to fund activity to translate LSE research (or research-based expertise) into new products and services developed for commercial markets. Projects will demonstrate the potential of proposed products or services both to be financially self-sustaining and to deliver positive social, economic or environmental impacts. Projects could also clearly support the development of new commercial or technical skills in the LSE research community and/or that test and validate pathways to impact via innovation. 

Scheme priorities

In line with LSE Research for the World objectives, this scheme aims to support innovation activities at any stage of development, from early ideas and problem definition through to the incorporation of spinouts or startups.

We expect innovation to be embedded in commercialisation processes and technology transfer mechanisms intended to generate revenue, but welcome applications from those interested in exploring not-for-profit or social enterprise routes, as well as more purely commercial ventures. Irrespective of the proposed business structure, though, we will look for indicators of potential for future financial self-sustainability. 

Funding available 

The total available funding for the scheme is £100,000 per year.

Projects can ask for funding up to £20,000, for projects lasting up to 12 months. If you require funding for an ambitious project at a larger-scale please contact the Innovation team who can provide support and advice for ambitious ideas leading to significant impact activities and evidence. Projects must be ready to start within a month of awarding.

Examples of projects 

• Proof of market including market research, technical feasibility reviews, competing technology analysis, external IP reviews, market visits or external networking to establish market need.
• Proof of concept including further market validation of technology and competitive advantage and technology development.

Examples of costs

• Research assistance both hourly paid and salaried to accelerate discrete work important to the commercialisation of research.
• Staff time, for DI staff, to undertake project activities.
• Goods and services provided by external professionals (e.g. software developers) to support the development of MVPs or prototypes, and/or the development of landing pages allowing user access to the product or service under development.
• Travel, subsistence and accommodation costs e.g. meetings with or conferences involving (potential) commercial partners or investors.
• Consultancy services in the UK and overseas which must include applicable taxes and fees.
• Costs of software or licences required for development, research and collaboration.
• Small items of consumables.
• Other project specific costs, such as equipment (where it is directly linked to delivering project objectives).
• Costs of applying for a trademark or patent, or any associated costs. 

Timetable 

Deadlines occur once per term, as follows:

Application process

All applications are submitted through the Internal Funding Application Form. 

You can find the guidance for the application form here.

Applicant eligibility 

• Applications must align with the scheme priorities in this scheme guidance.
• All schemes are open to Faculty, Research and Policy Staff, Teaching Staff, and LSE Fellows as listed in LSE HR Role Profiles. Teaching Staff must demonstrate the proposed project is in line with their teaching field. Visiting scholars can apply providing they are able to demonstrate their link to LSE for the duration of the project, and have the sponsorship of an LSE academic staff. No funding can be requested for visiting scholars, as those are unpaid affiliations.
• Applicants must confirm that they have the full support of their host academic unit as part of their application. An award letter co-signed by the hosting unit lead will be required at award stage.
• Applicants must have a contract of employment at LSE in place for the entire project duration and be able to demonstrate continued links with LSE into the future, in order to ensure that post-award assessment and regular communications can be carried out for all awarded projects. Changes to contracts must be communicated to the R&I Funds Manager to ensure compliance with this rule.
• Previous awardees of internal funding must confirm the submission of the final report of closed projects.
• Applicants may not hold more than one project per scheme at any one time (either as PI or Co-I).

• Current LSE Students may not apply

Cost eligibility 

Staff should speak to their Senior Research Innovation Manager to prepare the application and must seek support for preparing any LSE staff costs in their budget. Staff who do not request support from their designated contact may experience delays in their funding decision and project kick-off. 

The following costs are eligible for this scheme:

• Directly incurred non-staff costs such as travel, fieldwork, consumables, goods, equipment, services, and consultants (including associated fees and taxes).
• Hourly Paid Staff costs for occasional research assistance and clerical support.
• Directly Incurred Salaried research and policy staff costs.

Specialist costs to make project activities more accessible that are not already covered by LSE support are also eligible, such as:

• Costs for care of dependents where it is unavoidable.
• Costs to make adjustments within travel and accommodation bookings for staff who need them.
• Cost to make sure outputs are accessible (both for researchers and stakeholders, such as braille printed books or pamphlets). 
• Costs of specialist contractors that are working on EDI supporting activities, such as audio transcription for events, etc. 
• Costs to make events more accessible including specialist venues and supporting staff.

The following costs are not eligible under this scheme:

• Directly allocated (LSE NAC Staff) Salaried staff costs.
• Collaborator and partner staff costs. 
• Indirect (overheads) and estates (space) charges of LSE or any Partner and Collaborator.
• Open Access fees and article processing charges covered by the Open Access Fund.
• DI teaching contract or hourly paid teaching costs are not eligible.

• No funding can be requested for visiting scholars, as those are unpaid affiliations.

Review and selection 

Submitted applications will be checked against eligibility criteria. Ineligible applications will be rejected for the funding round and will not be taken forward to peer-review.

Applications under £10,000 will be assessed by the Operations Group.

Applications over £10,000 will be sent for peer review by the Impact and Innovation Panel.

Assessment criteria

The template for the peer review forms will be linked here once available.

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria. 

Support 

Please contact your Senior Research Innovation Manager guidance on your application.

General queries, feedback and comments on this scheme can be sent to Mariane Bignotto, R&I Funds Manager.