Tech research gets €1bn funds injection

The world of tech is set for a major cash injection, with both the EC and the UK government announcing funding programmes worth more than €1bn.

The EC will be contributing €1bn to 276 separate ICT research projects across the European Union, with a small proportion - €162m - to be spent on research tech for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and another €70m to be directed towards partners from the EU's new member states.

The EC plans to direct its research efforts towards new areas of innovation, including cognitive systems and guaranteeing the security of IT systems.

The projects chosen to receive funding from Brussels will "achieve industrial and societal breakthroughs in fields that are of strategic importance to Europe", according to the EC. Research into nano-technology, wireless communications and broadband will be at the forefront of the strategy.

Over the next five years, the EC plans to direct its research efforts towards new areas of innovation, including cognitive systems and guaranteeing the security of IT systems.

The UK government is also reaching into its pockets to get some new technology off the ground.

Whitehall will be spending £25m on trying to convert "blue skies" technology into real, saleable products. The government has put the cash up for grabs for any researchers looking to develop innovative technology through its Public Sector Research Exploitation Fund.

The funding is available for all public sector organisations, and researchers have until 4 November to apply.