Design and execution of research and development

Tender description

Innovate UK had a requirement for services to help accelerate the growth of early stage IoT hardware companies based in the UK. IoT UK includes a Research Hub (University College London and partners), Smart City Demonstrator (Manchester), health demonstrators (West of England and Surrey) and other research, innovation and enterprise activity. For information please see IoTUK.org.uk The procurement aimed to help secure specialist provision of services in the UK to help early stage companies specialising in designing, developing and manufacturing hardware for the Internet of Things (IoT) to bring their products and services to market and grow their business. In particular, to help them overcome challenges that frequently arise between the development of a hardware prototype and minimum viable product (MVP) and manufacturing at scale. The requirement was for 2 providers to undertake design to manufacture services for 10 start-up IoT companies over a period of 12 months (Jun-16 to May-17). Total funds of 754 582 GBP plus VAT are to be split evenly between the 2 successful providers. Contract progress will be monitored via regular Contractor reports and through use of the Innovate UK's existing network of monitoring officers and monitoring liaison officers who will monitor the progress/success of the start-up companies.