Seed Funding for Quantum Healthcare Commercialisation

The London Quantum Cluster (LQC) is inviting applications for a new round of seed funding to support innovative projects exploring applications of quantum technologies in healthcare.

This seed funding is designed to help researchers, innovators and organisations develop early-stage ideas with strong potential for entrepreneurship, commercialisation and future investment.

Applications close on Monday 24 August at 4pm.

About the Funding

The funding aims to stimulate new collaborations and accelerate promising ideas that demonstrate a clear pathway towards future funding and real-world impact.

Projects should contribute to one or more of the London Quantum Cluster's objectives by:

• Creating new interdisciplinary collaborations across quantum technologies, healthcare and industry.

• Leveraging future funding opportunities into London's quantum ecosystem.

• Supporting the training and development of Early Career Researchers.

• Engaging healthcare end users and stakeholders in the development of quantum technologies.

What projects Can the Funding Support?

The scope of projects is intentionally broad. Examples of eligible activities include:

• Proof-of-principle research

• Development of demonstrators or prototypes

• Cross-disciplinary workshops and collaborative sandpits

• Research visits to establish new collaborations

• Consortium-building activities for future funding bids

• End-user engagement activities

• Secondments or internships that support collaborative research.

Projects should be focused, achievable and demonstrate clear potential for future development beyond the initial funding period.

Funding VALUe

Most awards are expected to be less than £8,000.

Projects will be funded at 100% Full Economic Cost (FEC), although funding cannot be used for:

• Indirect or estates costs

• Intellectual property protection costs, including patent registration or maintenance

Who Can Apply?

Applications are welcomed from:

• Researchers at all career stages, from PhD students through to Professors (or equivalent)

• Early Career Researchers, who are particularly encouraged to apply

• Universities, businesses, charities, healthcare organisations and other non-profit organisations

Collaborative and interdisciplinary projects are strongly encouraged.

Projects may include partners from outside London, but the lead applicant must be based at a London organisation.

Project Timescale

Projects are expected to run for up to three months, making this an ideal opportunity to rapidly test new ideas, establish partnerships or generate preliminary data for larger funding applications.

How Applications Will Be Assessed

Applications will be reviewed independently by a panel of three reviewers and assessed against criteria including:

• Alignment with the London Quantum Cluster's objectives

• Quality, feasibility and value for money

• Potential impact

• Consideration of equality, diversity and inclusion

Additional consideration will be given to proposals that:

• Foster interdisciplinary or cross-sector collaboration

• Demonstrate a clear route to future funding

• Engage end users effectively

• Support the development of Early Career Researchers

How to Apply

Complete the Application Form and email it to lqc@imperial.ac.uk using the subject line: “LQC Seed funding application”. Please read the Seed Funding Guidance before applying.

Application deadline: Monday 24 August, 4pm

Following completion of the project, successful applicants will be asked to submit a short project report.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the funding opportunity, please contact: lqc@imperial.ac.uk