Research commercialisation - Proof of Concept Fund 2026-2027: guidance
The Scottish Proof of Concept Fund is open to researchers based at Scottish universities with innovative ideas and will provide support for early to mid stage commercialisation activities. The fund will be open for applications from 1 April until 8 May 2026
After you apply
After you have submitted your application to the funding opportunity, it cannot be changed. You cannot return applications for amendment. Your application may be rejected if it doesn’t follow the guidance.
As part of the application assessment process, projects may be invited to a short virtual pitching session to present their project to assessors and provide assessors with an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarity on aspects of the application.
Following the assessment process applicants will be notified if their projects have been successful. Projects are expected to start on 1 August 2026.
Funded projects will complete on 31 March 2027. Grant extensions beyond 31 March 2027 will not be permitted.
Contact
Email: spinouts@gov.scot