The Catalyst Grant is an international initiative to support innovation in new software tools and technologies to advance research and create meaningful change. The program supports and invests in early-stage ideas in the novel use of technology with an award of up to £25,000 for the most promising ideas that aid science and further its impact on society. This year, we are focussing on AI-based solutions.
The Catalyst Grant was born of our desire to help early-stage software ideas come to fruition. We invest in the community, and we come from the community. Our team is made up of people with research backgrounds and decades of experience within research software. For us, the grant’s real value is in starting conversations, some leading to awards, but the majority to the sharing of advice, the making of introductions and the cultivation of ideas.
The Catalyst Grant
Hear what Steve Scott, Director of Portfolio Development, has to say about this year’s AI challenge, advice for entrants and how Catalyst Grant has helped other innovative ideas get off the ground
What’s New This Year?
In 2023, Digital Science is looking to support AI driven language technologies in line with its mission to support better, open, collaborative and inclusive research. We believe there are opportunities both to augment our existing products and create new ways of supporting the research enterprise. With this in mind, Digital Science is looking for the best and most innovative uses of generative AI to support the research enterprise.
Do you have an innovative idea for using artificial intelligence to drive progress in academic research? Maybe your app utilizes natural language processing to accelerate literature reviews. Perhaps your tool leverages machine learning to uncover unseen connections in datasets. Or you’re integrating LLMs with conversational interfaces to improve researcher collaboration.
Why apply for the Catalyst Grant?
- Receive up to £25,000 equity-free funding
- Access Digital Science’s network of technical and research experts
- Raise the profile of your project through our global presence
- Be part of advancing research and creating societal impact
We want to support early-stage ideas and entrepreneurs in developing novel applications of AI that make a difference in areas such as:
- Streamlining research workflows
- Enhancing discovery and analysis
- Improving accessibility and collaboration
- Increasing reproducibility and trust
Apply for the Catalyst Grant
To apply, submit a brief proposal by 6th November describing your concept, qualifications, and plan. If selected, you’ll receive up to £25,000 as well as mentoring from Digital Science’s experts to bring your innovation to life.
Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your AI vision into reality. Applications open 2nd October.
Important notice regarding your personal data
See our privacy policy for more details about how we treat your personal data.
We will only email you as part of your Catalyst Grant application.
