Applications now open for Teesside University’s Proof of Concept fund

Turning a promising idea into something market-ready requires funding, momentum and the right support. Applications are now open for Teesside University’s Proof of Concept (PoC) fund – a £600,000 pot designed to help researchers turn promising early-stage ideas, with digital and/or creative aspects, into commercial opportunities.

The fund, delivered through the Tees Valley Investment Zone Research and Innovation Programme, offers up to £40,000 of grant funding for each project to help move innovations closer to market. That could mean proving technical feasibility, reducing risk, strengthening intellectual property, attracting investment, or preparing for licensing and spin-out opportunities.

For many researchers, the gap between a strong idea and commercial progress is where momentum can stall. This fund is built to help bridge that gap.

Turning research into real-world impact

Teesside University has a strong track record of applied research, innovation and working with industry. The PoC fund is another route to turn expertise, discoveries and new technologies into outcomes that create jobs, attract investment and solve real challenges.

Whether your project is developing a new product, refining a process, advancing a digital solution or exploring a market-ready service, this funding can help you take the next step.

Successful applications need to show:

• a clear innovation showing strong potential and a creative and/or digital aspect
• technical credibility and a realistic development plan
• market opportunity and route to commercialisation
• wider economic, societal or environmental value.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to Teesside University researchers and academic staff with projects rooted in University research that demonstrate clear commercial potential, and include a digital or creative element.

This is not funding for basic research. It is for ideas ready to be tested, validated and progressed towards real-world use.

Key dates:

• Applications open Wednesday 22 April 2026
• Applications close Friday 22 May 2026
• Funds awarded Friday 5 June 2026
• Projects completed by Thursday 25 February 2027

Guidance is available to help applicants understand the fund, shape strong proposals and identify the best route forward for their idea. Applicants can get guidance on:

• whether their project is eligible
• how to demonstrate commercial potential
• defining milestones and realistic deliverables
• routes to market and next steps
• what a competitive submission should include.

Email Hannah Brynn, IP & Commercialisation Manager (Investment Zone): h.brynn@tees.ac.uk.

Ready to move your idea forward?

If you have research with commercial promise, now is the time to explore what it could become.

Funding is competitive and designed for projects ready to make progress quickly. Start shaping your application, attend an engagement event and take the next step towards turning your innovation into impact.

For further information, email the Investment Zone team at IZteam@tees.ac.uk.

Tees Valley Investment Zone

Tees Valley Investment Zone is led by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) in partnership with Teesside University and backed by UK Government.

Tees Valley was confirmed as one of the UK's national Investment Zones in March 2024, part of a UK Government initiative to accelerate economic growth in high?potential sectors. Development is led by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), with Teesside University as the lead educational partner, and is backed by UK Government funding. It is the only UK Investment Zone focused on the growth of digital and creative sectors and builds on strong industry clusters in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

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