CRACK IT Challenges

Challenge Types

Three Phase (Mega) Challenges

Challenges that are large scale R&D projects requiring more funding and award duration for delivery. Mega Challenges have three Phases with Phase 3 being awarded only to Phase 2 awardees and subject to delivery of Phase 2.

There is a three-phase application process.

Phase 1: The Review Panel recommends funding up to three (3) projects to deliver proof-of-concept studies. Contracts are up to nine (9) months with funding of up to £100k.

Phase 2: Following presentation of proof-of-concept, the Challenge Panel recommends up to one (1) project to support in Phase 2 to address the Phase 2 requirements. Entry into Phase 2 is dependent on successful completion of Phase 1. Contracts are up to three (3) years with funding of up to £1.6 million.

Phase 3: Following successful delivery of Phase 2 of the Challenge and 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 (2) years with funding of up to £1 million.

Two Phase Challenges

Challenges that require a significant amount of funding and may include research, development and validation of new technologies, prototypes and methods.

There is a two-phase application process.

Phase 1: The Review Panel recommends funding up to three (3) projects to deliver proof-of-concept studies. Contracts are up to six (6) months with funding of up to £100k.

Phase 2: Following presentation of proof-of-concept, the Challenge Panel recommends up to one (1) project to support in Phase 2 to address the full Challenge requirements. Entry into Phase 2 is dependent on successful completion of Phase 1. Contracts are up to three (3) years with funding of up to £1 million.

Single Phase Challenges

Challenges which either primarily focus on the validation of new technologies, prototypes and methods that are closer to market or require less research and lower development costs compared to Two-Phase Challenges, there is a Single Phase competition. Applicants should refer to the Guide for Participants which contains more information on the competition.

Applications shortlisted by the Review Panel will be invited to present their proposals to the Challenge Panel where up to one (1) contract for up to one (1) year will be awarded with up to £100k to deliver the Challenge brief.

Process

Challenge development

CRACK IT Challenges are developed with Sponsors through either an open call or NC3Rs office-led initiatives. The CRACK IT Advisory Panel assess the Challenge proposals and recommends to the NC3Rs which Challenges to run as competitions.

Competition

The Challenges are published by the NC3Rs and pitched to the scientific community for solving.

A launch event is held for potential applicants to identify new partners and to meet the Sponsors.

Awards

Innovators that have secured the funding, work with the Challenge Sponsors and the NC3Rs to deliver the Challenge.

Project management and Challenge delivery

Challenges are milestone-driven with regular Project Management Team meetings to ensure milestones are on schedule and to manage risks.  

Challenge impacts

Products and/or services developed through the Challenges are made widely available to the scientific community.

Sponsor a Challenge

The NC3Rs invites submission from organisations that would like to sponsor new CRACK IT Challenges on an annual basis. Please read the guidance below for further information on how to submit your idea or contact the CRACK IT team at crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk.

Challenges come from industry, academia and the charitable sectors. As Sponsor of a Challenge you will gain early end-user input to the development of new technologies that will deliver 3Rs, scientific and business impacts to your organisation and the wider scientific community.

As Sponsor you must be able to provide in-kind contributions and/or funding to support your Challenge. Contributions can include access to compound libraries, expertise, in-house studies for validation of prototypes and co-funding. See current Challenges for examples of in-kind contributions provided in previous competitions.

A Challenge should be a call for a product, technology or process that:

• Will have a significant impact on the 3Rs.
• Is innovative and breaks new ground in areas where technologies would improve science and business.
• Adds value or accelerates the availability of technologies.
• Brings in new audiences/technologies.
• Has wide applicability/leads to step change.
• Ideally has significant commercial potential.
• Is focused on developing and leveraging new technologies into broader use across the bioscience sector.
• Is clearly defined so that the scope and endpoints are understood.
• Has defined deliverables so that applicants and assessors are clear as to what is expected from the Sponsors.
• Has scope for Sponsor in-kind contribution that brings genuine added value to the collaboration.

If your Challenge proposal is selected:

How to submit your Challenge

NC3Rs staff will be happy to discuss your Challenge ideas at any time. There is a yearly formal open call between January and March.

Download and complete the 'Sponsor a Challenge' form. 

Email the completed form to crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk.

Assessment process

Challenge submissions are considered by both independent scientific experts and the CRACK IT Advisory Panel, who will take the following criteria into consideration prior to making their final recommendations:

• Level of 3Rs impact.
• Scientific quality.
• Commercial potential/potential for broad uptake of the technology.
• Level of Sponsor input (e.g. co-funding, in-kind contributions, potential for co-Sponsors).
• Alignment with current NC3Rs portfolio and external activities.
• Low risk of Challenge not being solved.
• Time to impact.

Dates and deadlines

Related documents

• CRACK IT Challenges Guide for Participants - Three Phase Challenge
• CRACK IT Challenges Guide for Participants - Single & Two Phase Challenges and BGS 
• Sponsors Responsibilities
• CRACK IT - Sponsor a Challenge Form

Apply to Solve a Challenge

Three Phase competition overview

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.

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 (2) years with funding of up to £1 million.

There are no Three Phase Challenges in 2022.

View the 2021 CRACK IT Challenges. 

2021 Three Phase Challenges competition dates

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 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.

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

CRACK IT Challenges Guide for Participants 2021 - Three Phase Challenge

CRACK IT Challenges Phase 1 Application Form - 2021 Three Phase Challenge

CRACK IT Challenges Phase 1 Contractor Agreement

CRACK IT Challenges Phase 2 Contractor Agreement

CRACK IT Challenges FAQs

Two Phase competition overview

There is a two-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.

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 2022 CRACK IT Challenges. 

2022 Two Phase Challenges competition dates

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.

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.

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

Additional information

CRACK IT Challenges Guide for Participants 2021 - Single & Two Phase Challenges and BGS

CRACK IT Challenges Phase 1 Application Form - 2021 Two Phase Challenge

CRACK IT Challenges Phase 1 Contractor Agreement

CRACK IT Challenges Phase 2 Contractor Agreement

CRACK IT Challenges FAQs

Single Phase competition overview

Applications for Single Phase Challenges describe plans for addressing the key deliverables detailed in the Challenge brief. This includes an assessment 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 2022 CRACK IT Challenges. 

2022 Single Phase Challenges competition dates

Applicant eligibility

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.

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

CRACK IT Challenges Guide for Participants 2021 - Single & Two Phase Challenges and BGS

CRACK IT Challenges Single Phase Application Form - 2020 Challenges (please note there are no Single Phase Challenges open for competition in 2021)

CRACK IT Single Phase Contractor Agreement

CRACK IT Challenges FAQs

Award Holder Information

Overview

We expect all NC3Rs-funded researchers to act as 3Rs ambassadors within their institutions and field, promoting the 3Rs outcomes of the research we support in publications, posters and presentations. In addition, CRACK IT Contractors are required to:

• Implement the principles in the cross-funder guidance Responsibility in the Use of Animals in Bioscience Research.
• Where non-human primates are used, implement the principles in the NC3Rs guidelines Primate Accommodation, Care and Use.
• Abide by the UKSBS/NC3Rs policy on preferred suppliers of antibodies.
• Abide by UKRI Terms and Conditions and additionally to the NC3Rs Terms and Conditions. Any additional NC3Rs conditions will be included in the Contractor Agreement.

Contractor Agreement extensions | Publications and open access publishing | Reporting requirements and evaluation

Contractor Agreement extensions

The NC3Rs does not routinely extend CRACK IT agreements, except for maternity leave, gaps in employment or staggered start dates. Extensions for these reasons may be requested through a direct request to a member of the CRACK IT team.

In exceptional circumstances, we may consider extending the agreement. The delays or shortfall must seriously threaten the delivery of a significant proportion of the science outlined in the original application. Contractors must be able to demonstrate that the delays could not have been anticipated, were outside their control and that every effort has already been made to mitigate them.

Extensions cannot be used for:

• The sole purpose of using remaining funds.
• Starting new scientific work that was not outlined in the original application.
• Managing RO or applicant changes to research plans and staffing.
• Preparing new grant applications.
• The purpose of writing up results.

With the exception of multiple periods of maternity/paternity/sick leave, an agreement will be allowed no more than one extension. If an extension has already been approved, further requests will not normally be considered. 

Requests for additional funds will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. 

Publications and open access publishing

We have adopted the RCUK’s policy on open access of publications. We expect CRACK IT Contractors to disseminate their results by publishing in appropriate scientific journals, detailing the 3Rs impact of the work. The NC3Rs contribution to Article Processing Charges (APCs) will be paid for via the MRC contribution to the RCUK block grant.

Peer reviewed papers reporting research that is wholly or partially funded by the NC3Rs should:

• Make reference to the 3Rs implications of the research, including in the abstract and the main body of the text.
• Be published in journals which are compliant with the RCUK policy on open access.
• Include details of the funding that supported the research - NC3Rs support for an individual or research project should be acknowledged in all publications where such support has been significant (i.e. accounts for at least 20% of funding).
• Provide a statement on how the underlying research materials such as data, samples or models can be accessed.
• Be reported in accordance with the ARRIVE guidelines, taking into account the specific editorial policies of the journal concerned.

Guidance text for acknowledging the NC3Rs:

'We thank the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) for funding this work ([insert award number] to [insert author(s) initials]). Article processing charges were paid from the Medical Research Council contribution to the RCUK block grant to [insert name of institution].'

Please keep us informed of any publications or other material arising from an NC3Rs award by emailing a PDF copy to crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk.  Ideally, we would like to be informed pre-publication to enable us to prepare publicity material as appropriate. Any publication arising from NC3Rs-funded research should be deposited into Europe PubMed Central at the point of publication or within six months at the latest and included in your Researchfish grant record.

NC3Rs blog: NC3Rs-funded research now available for all

Reporting requirements and evaluation

CRACK IT Contractors should report on the outputs and outcomes of the research we have funded on a regular basis. In line with the Research Councils, we use Researchfish to collect this information. Log-in details are provided by Researchfish Ltd. Outputs and outcomes data should be submitted during and after the lifetime of the award. Data can be inputted at any time. In addition, there is an annual compulsory data submission period. Information in Researchfish should also be updated shortly before the grant is due to end. Failure to update within three months of the grant end date will result in an automatic financial penalty.

We reserve the right to sanction a grant at any stage if unsatisfactory progress has been made.

Researchfish reporting requirements

Queries about our reporting requirements should be sent to crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk

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CRACK IT Advisory Panel

Role of the Panel

The CRACK IT Advisory Panel (CAP) advises the NC3Rs on the CRACK IT Programme. The remit of the Panel includes:

• Assessment of the new Challenges proposed each year.
• Providing advice and feedback to Challenge contractors where needed.
• Assessment of Business Growth Scheme applications.
• Review of Solutions proposals.

CRACK IT Advisory Panel members are appointed for three and a half years, with the possibility of a further one or two years' extension.

We receive new Challenge submissions from a wide range of disciplines. Additional members may be co-opted to the Panel, for one year, if additional expertise is required.

New Challenge submission assessment procedure

Challenge Assessment generally consists of a two-stage process:

• The Advisory Panel assesses new Challenge submissions using the assessment criteria to evaluate the scientific quality, 3Rs impact and commercial potential of the submissions.
• New Challenge submissions are then assessed by independent scientific experts who consider the viability, scientific quality and likely 3Rs impact of the proposal.

Declaration of interests

Advisory Panel members are required to declare any private, professional or commercial interests that might, or that might be perceived to, conflict with the NC3Rs interests as detailed in the declaration of interests policy.

CRACK IT Advisory Panel membership

Business Growth Scheme

Overview

The NC3Rs has introduced a Business Growth Scheme (BGS) where CRACK IT Challenge contractors from Two Phase and Single Phase Challenges can apply for additional support, of up to £50k (inclusive of VAT/EU reverse charges) for 12 months, to maximise their business strategy for near-market ready products and services.

The BGS has been designed to support the business and commercial opportunities that arise from technology developed during the Challenge. These funds will not be awarded to support further R&D work that was not completed in the Challenge period.

All awards made under the BGS constitute de minimis aid.

More information can be found in the Guide for Participants.

Eligibility

Open to any CRACK IT Single Phase or Phase 2 contractor (includes sub-contractors).

• Applicants must be European Union (EU)-based and from an established commercial entity.
• Only one application to the BGS, per Challenge, will be accepted.
• Applications will only be accepted following the end of Challenge presentation to the CRACK IT Advisory Panel (CAP).
• Applications are reviewed by the CAP within six (6) weeks of the NC3Rs receiving the application.
• BGS awards constitute de minimis aid. Any one organisation cannot be provided with more than the de minimis funding threshold of €200k over a three year fiscal period.

Agreements and awards

Prior to award, the successful applicant’s organisation signs an agreement with the NC3Rs. Up to two (2) awards will be made each financial year. 

Additional information

CRACK IT Challenges Guide for Participants 2021 - Single & Two Phase Challenges and BGS