Sponsor a Challenge

The NC3Rs invites submissions 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 and the Sponsor roles and responsibilities document for more information. 

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 you and your organisation will work with the NC3Rs to:

• Develop the Challenge brief outlining the aims and deliverables of the Challenge. 
• Present the Challenge at the launch event and interact with potential applicants.
• Be involved in the assessment process to decide the winning team.
• Sign a contract supporting your organisation’s commitment to the Challenge and provision of in-kind support.
• Provide in-kind contributions to the winning team.
• Attend project management meetings working with the winning team.
• Work together to promote uptake of the Challenge product to maximise the 3Rs impact and improve science and business.

How to submit your Challenge

• Download and complete the 'Sponsor a Challenge' form. 
• Email the completed form to crackitenquiries@nc3rs.org.uk. 
• We are happy to explore early ideas for Challenges before submission, please contact us to discuss your idea. 

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

2025 Challenges

2024 Challenges

Related documents

CRACK IT Challenges Guide for Participants

Sponsors Responsibilities

CRACK IT - Sponsor a Challenge Form