exemplars

Are you bringing a new product or service to market?

DNN may be able to support the design elements of the project. Exemplar projects are chosen for support where design approaches will make a real difference to a project’s success and the design intervention tells a story that will encourage others to adopt design thinking and processes.
Why apply?

Successful exemplars get:

• Help in finding suitable design partners
• Support of up to £16k to cover the costs of third-party design
• Support in identifying other funding sources
• Good PR opportunities regionally, nationally and internationally

Who can apply?

There are no sector restrictions or preferred points in the product/service development cycle. The only restrictions are around standard ERDF exclusions. If you are unsure of whether to apply, call the DNN team in confidence on 0191 5164400.

>> Download an application form

How does it work?

Funding is limited to 30 projects. The process begins with an initial conversation with one of the team and the completion of an application form, or via the website. Once the initial form is complete, selection is by interview panel, held quarterly at RTC North in Sunderland. Successful projects will then be able to draw down funding agreed against a milestone plan for payment of suppliers.

Dates for your Diary

• Review Panel 1: 21st May 2009 Closed, 5 projects supported
• Review Panel 2: 22nd July 2009, Closed, 4 projects supported
• Review Panel 3: 24th September 2009 Closed, 6 projects supported
• Review Panel 4: 8th December 2009, Closing date for submissions: 1st Dec
• Review Panel 5: 10th March 2010, Closing date for submissions: 3rd Mar
• Review Panel 6: 9th June 2010, Closing date for submissions: 2nd Jun

Notes for Applicants, Designers and Intermediaries

• Idea ownership - all Intellectual Property (IP) ownerships is retained by the applicant
• IP protection - before applying all applicants are advised to be sure of their IP status and not to disclose anything that would prevent future rights and patents. In the first instance, all information submitted to DNN should be non-confidential.
• Pre-existing relationships - where an existing applicant-designer relationship exists it will be respected, providing there is a strong case made and value for money can be demonstrated.
• Match funding - EPP support does not require match funding, but applicants must be able to provide evidence of sufficient funds (or a credible route to acquire them) to complete the project.