Apply to solve a Challenge

Overview of application process

For more information about applications for each Challenge type, please see the relevant section below.

Graphic summarising the application to Challenge process

Three Phase Mega Challenges

Mega Challenges are large scale R&D projects for which there is a three-phase application process. Each Phase has specific deliverables defined in the Challenge brief. Applicants should refer to the Guide for Participants which contains detailed information on the competition.

Applicants apply to solve a Mega Challenge by submitting a Phase 1 application form to cracktienquiries@nc3rs.org.uk by the application deadline. Phase 1 applications are assessed by a Review Panel which recommends funding up to three projects for nine month proof-of-concept studies funded by the NC3Rs.
At the end of Phase 1, candidates are invited to submit a Phase 2 application and attend an interview with the Challenge Panel. Up to one project is awarded a contract of up to three years to deliver the full Challenge.
Following successful delivery of a Phase 2 report, the Challenge Panel can recommend continued support into Phase 3 to address the full Challenge requirements. Entry into Phase 3 is dependent on successful completion of Phase 2. Contracts are up to two years with funding of up to £1 million.

Applicant eligibility

CRACK IT Three Phase Challenges are run using the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) process which is supported by Innovate UK. The competition is open to any UK or European* body, public or private. Applications can be from single organisations or investigators or from consortia. The lead applicant must be UK or EU based.

Applicants from the same organisation(s) as the Sponsors are not eligible to apply.

Applicants may already hold a grant or contract from the NC3Rs or other funding bodies for research related to the topic for which new funds are being sought, in such instances, details of all relevant research funding, including that from industry, should be included in the application.

Agreement and awards

Phase 1 awards made following the Review Panel are subject to the terms outlined in the Phase 1 contractor agreement. Typically, Sponsors do not provide in-kind contributions for Phase 1. Where in-kind contributions are required it may be necessary for the applicant and Sponsor to sign an agreement before starting the proof-of-concept study. Phase 1 awardees are expected to start work on receipt of the agreement as the deadline for Phase 2 applications will not be extended.
Phase 2 awards made following the Challenge Panel are subject to the terms outlined in the Phase 2 contractor agreement with the NC3Rs. The NC3Rs will have an agreement with the Sponsors and an agreement is also recommended between the successful applicant and the Sponsors.
Phase 3 awards made following the Challenge Panel are subject to the terms outlined in the Phase 3 contractor agreement with the NC3Rs. The NC3Rs will have an agreement with the Sponsors and an agreement is also recommended between the successful applicant and the Sponsors.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the agreements prior to applying.

Additional information

View the previous CRACK IT Challenges and the 2023 Challenge announcement.

Mega Challenge dates and deadlines are listed on the Key dates and deadlines page.

Applications to CRACK IT Challenges must be made using the relevant application form. Completed applications must be sent by email to crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk. Please see the Mega Challenges Guide for Participants to support the application forms in the documents page.

Two Phase Challenges

There are two phases in the application process for Two Phase Challenges, with specific deliverables for each Phase defined in the Challenge brief. Applicants should refer to the Guide for Participants which contains detailed information on the competition.

Phase 1 applications are assessed by a Review Panel which recommends funding up to three projects for six month proof-of-concept studies funded by the NC3Rs.
At the end of Phase 1, candidates are invited to submit a Phase 2 application and attend an interview with the Challenge Panel. Up to one project is awarded a contract of up to three years to deliver the full Challenge.

View the 2023 CRACK IT Challenges.

Applicant eligibility

CRACK IT Two Phase Challenges are run using the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) process which is supported by Innovate UK. The competition is open to any UK or European Union (EU) body, public or private. Applications can be from single organisations or investigators or from consortia. The lead applicant must be UK or EU based.

Applicants from the same organisation(s) as the Sponsors are not eligible to apply.

Agreement and awards

Phase 1 awards made following the Review Panel are subject to the terms outlined in the Phase 1 contractor agreement. Typically, Sponsors do not provide in-kind contributions for Phase 1. Where in-kind contributions are required it may be necessary for the applicant and Sponsor to sign an agreement before starting the proof-of-concept study. Phase 1 awardees are expected to start work on receipt of the agreement as the deadline for Phase 2 applications will not be extended.
Phase 2 awards made following the Challenge Panel are subject to the terms outlined in the Phase 2 contractor agreement with the NC3Rs. The NC3Rs will have an agreement with the Sponsors and an agreement is also recommended between the successful applicant and the Sponsors.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the agreements prior to applying.

Additional information

View the previous CRACK IT Challenges and the 2023 Challenge announcement.

Two Phase Challenge dates and deadlines are listed on the Key dates and deadlines page.

Applications to CRACK IT Challenges must be made using the relevant application form. Completed applications must be sent by email to crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk. Please see the Two Phase Challenges Guide for Participants to support the application forms in the documents page.

Single Phase Challenges

Applications for Single Phase Challenges describe plans for addressing the key deliverables detailed in the Challenge brief and are assessed by a Review Panel. The most promising proposals will be invited to an interview by the Challenge Panel who will recommend up to one Single Phase award per Challenge.

View the 2023 CRACK IT Challenges.

Applicant eligibility

The competition is open to any UK or European* body, public or private. Applications can be from single organisations or investigators or from consortia. The lead applicant must be UK or European* based.

Applicants from the same organisation(s) as the Sponsors are not eligible to apply.

Applicants may already hold a grant or contract from the NC3Rs or other funding bodies for research related to the topic for which new funds are being sought. In such instances, details of all relevant research funding, including that from industry, should be included in the application.

Agreements and awards

Single Phase awards made following the Challenge Panel are subject terms outlined in the Single Phase contractor agreement. The NC3Rs will have an agreement with the Sponsors and an agreement is also recommended between the successful applicant and the Sponsor.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the agreements prior to applying.

Additional information

View the previous CRACK IT Challenges and the 2023 Challenge announcement.

Single Challenge dates and deadlines are listed on the Key dates and deadlines page.

Applications to CRACK IT Challenges must be made using the relevant application form. Completed applications must be sent by email to crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk. Please see the Single Phase Challenges Guide for Participants to support the application forms in the documents page.

*EU, EEA and EFTA