Unterzeichnung(en)
Übersicht
The project concerns investments in research and development (R&D) into innovative start-up companies and SMEs. The borrower holds and manages a portfolio of high-tech innovative spin-out companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in five different sectors (energy & renewables; medical equipment & supplies; pharma & biotech; IT & communications; chemicals & materials) in the United Kingdom.
The project supports the growth phase of innovative technology SMEs by ensuring their ability to fund their development programme. It covers activities ranging from pre-seed and seed financing and proof of concept studies to the financing of pilot production or clinical trials. The larger investments, targeted at the more mature portfolio companies, are made on a milestone/tranche basis that matches the companies’ needs for cash with the agreed milestone. The companies included in the project represent a mix of companies in different sectors such as life sciences (pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical equipment), mechanical engineering and ICT.
R&D activities included in the project will not materially change current R&D practice and will be carried out within existing facilities making use of existing laboratories, pilot plants, clinical centres etc. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) by a competent authority according to Directive 2011/92/EU should not be required.
The promoter is a private company not operating in the utilities sector and is thus not covered by EU directives on procurement.
InnovFin is an innovative credit-risk-sharing scheme jointly set up by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to improve access to debt financing for private companies or public institutions promoting activities with a higher financial risk profile in the fields of research, technological development, demonstration and innovation investments.