Research Facilities Navigator - Grant Analysis ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all sectors - Startups seeking research support and validation - Large corporations requiring specialized research capabilities - Self-employed professionals and consultants needing facility access - Manufacturers requiring testing and prototyping services - Technology companies seeking R&D collaboration - Social enterprises and innovation-focused organizations Note: This is a directory/navigation service rather than a direct funding program, so eligibility is generally broad for any business seeking research facility partnerships. ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable directory and facilitation service (not direct capital funding) - Funding Amount: No direct grant disbursement; program provides access to facilities at negotiated institutional rates - Cost-Sharing: Varies by facility partner; many offer discounted rates for first-time business users - Repayability: N/A — this is a matching/navigation service, not a loan - Fee Structure: Businesses pay facilities directly; Navigator program is typically free to access ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Equipment access and rental at partner research facilities - Testing and quality assurance services (laboratory analysis, product validation) - Prototyping and design services using specialized equipment - Consulting and technical expertise from facility researchers - Feasibility studies and proof-of-concept projects - Calibration and certification services - Materials analysis and characterization - Pilot production runs using institutional infrastructure ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Registration required: Businesses must register with the Navigator platform to identify suitable facilities - Facility availability: Access depends on partner institution capacity and scheduling - Direct negotiation: Businesses must negotiate terms and pricing directly with selected facilities - Project alignment: Research activities must align with facility capabilities and institutional research mandates - Documentation: Businesses should document facility partnerships for future innovation funding applications - No guaranteed outcomes: Navigator provides access only; research success depends on project execution - Lead time: Allow time for