This challenge is part of the Southwest Wales Net Zero Industry Launchpad Innovation Exchange (iX) pilot, enabling selected innovators to access Innovate UK grant funding of up to £25,000 to deliver a 3-month pilot project through the iX programme.

The Net Zero Industry Launchpad is using Innovate UK's Innovation Exchange (iX) platform to offer an exciting new pilot competition using the iX platform to support challenges that benefit or impact on Southwest Wales.
The aim of this competition is to support outstanding innovation projects that will impact on Southwest Wales. The pilot - Southwest Wales Net Zero Launchpad iX challenges - aims to foster collaborative partnerships between a challenge holder and solution provider to deliver a project that will accelerate the adoption of industrial circular economy, net zero or decarbonisation innovations within and across sectors for the Net Zero Industry Launchpad in Southwest Wales.
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Prima Foods produces around 1,000,000 cooked ready meal components per week across two different steam ovens, one 20-year old&nbsp;Double D&reg; (DD) oven and one new Arcadian model. Both are 4-rack ovens, supplied by a Certuss steam generator.
Due to the ovens having different characteristics and steam currently supplied without accurate control or measurement, the business struggles with:
<ul>
<li>inconsistent cooking performance;</li>
<li>excessive steam loss to atmosphere;</li>
<li>high diesel, LPG and electricity consumption; and&nbsp;</li>
<li>product non-conformities (weight, shape, texture).</li>
</ul>
Improving steam control is essential to enable the company to expand production by another 1 million components per week, support job retention and prevent food waste.

Background

There are a number of interlinked problems. The core of this is control of steam delivery.
<ol>
<li>Lack of precise steam control between two different ovens: steam cannot currently be measured or regulated individually for each oven, meaning the ovens may receive too little or two much steam during cooking. This is where there is a need for additional control valves between the ovens.</li>
<li>Excessive steam loss and energy: steam is lost to the atmosphere because the system lacks valves, flow control and metering. This requires the steam generator to run unnecessarily at maximum output.</li>
<li>Cooking inconsistency across the two ovens: due to uneven or unpredictable steam delivery, products may cook different in each oven, leading to issues with weight, shape, size and texture, and increased waste.</li>
<li>Impact on production capacity: without improved steam management, Prima Foods cannot reliably scale to an additional 1 million components/week, reducing cooking time and thus lead to higher productivity.</li>
<li>Carbon and energy efficiency challenges: inefficient steam use increases kerosene and consumption for steam generation and LPG and electrical power use in the ovens, conflicting with Prima Foods' Net Zero ambitions.</li>
</ol>
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If selected, the solution provider will be supported to apply for up to &pound;25,000 grant funding through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS). The funding will cover a 3-month project, the details of which will need to be refined with the challenge holder.
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The Challenge

The solution must enable Prima Foods to:
<ol>
<li>Control the amount of steam delivered to each oven: - precise, independent regulation of steam release to each oven; - ability to adjust steam timing and duration per cooking cycle and product type.</li>
<li>Measure and monitor steam usage: - installation of metering to quantify steam delivered to each oven; - enable data driven optimisation and consistency; - ideally measure the moisture level in the oven at any given time.</li>
<li>Minimise steam loss to atmosphere: - improve steam venting control, valve control or system design to retain usable steam; - reduce unnecessary venting and generator over run.</li>
<li>Improve cooking consistency and reduce waste: - ensure both ovens achieve identical and repeatable heat and humidity (and that this can be measured); - data collection of temperature, humidity and flow rates would be a significant benefit if possible; - conditions dependent on required cooking cycle; - reduce cook loss, food waste and off-spec products.</li>
<li>Reduce energy consumption: - lower kerosene use in the steam generator (target 15%+ reduction from 120 litres/day to 100 litres/day); - lower electricity/LPG consumption in ovens.</li>
<li>Support increased production capacity: - enable reliable scale-up to an additional 1 million components per week.</li>
</ol>
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Functional requirements

The functional requirements described above will drive the technical requirements. The solution will need to work seamlessley with the current combination of ovens and steam generator as noted in the background statement.
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While not within the scope of this project Prima Foods would welcome thoughts on a solution designed with steam regeneration in mind for a future project. However, note that this is only a minor consideration at this stage and should not distract from the requirements as outlined.
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Technical requirements

The solution must be suitable for deployment and use in a standard food factory environment.
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Operating conditions

A solution that meets the above requirements would, pending due examination, be deemed in scope.
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Innovate UK cannot fund projects that:
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<li class="Paragraph SCXW252313698 BCX0">involve primary production in fishery and aquaculture</li>
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<li class="Paragraph SCXW252313698 BCX0">involve primary production in agriculture</li>
</ul>
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<li class="Paragraph SCXW252313698 BCX0">are not allowed under&nbsp;<a class="Hyperlink SCXW252313698 BCX0" href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/general-guidance/funding-rules/#contents-list" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">de minimis regulation restrictions</a></li>
</ul>
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<li class="Paragraph SCXW252313698 BCX0">are not eligible to receive&nbsp;<a class="Hyperlink SCXW252313698 BCX0" href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/general-guidance/funding-rules/#contents-list:~:text=Minimal%20Financial%20Assistance%20(MFA)%20and%20EU%20de%20minimis%20awards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minimal Financial Assistance</a></li>
</ul>
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<li class="Paragraph SCXW252313698 BCX0">are dependent on export performance, for example, giving an award to a baker on the condition that they export a certain quantity of bread to another country</li>
</ul>
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Out of scope

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Cost requirement

Successful applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Prima Foods. The winning applicant, as selected by the company, will then be eligible to apply for a project that has grant funding request of up to &pound;25,000 to kickstart the development of the proposed solution through a 3-month project. Selected solutions will be trialled by Prima Foods with potential for further adopting if trials are successful.
The solution has potential to be deployed across one site. However, a solution would have potential for deployment across other industry users.
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
<ul>
<li>support from Innovate UK Business Connect;</li>
<li>support in the development of a prototype or pilot;</li>
<li>technical support;</li>
<li>invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events;</li>
<li>a potential business collaboration;</li>
<li>investor introductions (if investment is required);</li>
<li>support if an Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.</li>
</ul>
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Rewards & market opportunity

The following timescales apply:
<ul>
<li>Challenge launch: 28 April 2026</li>
<li>Deadline for applications: 9 June 2026</li>
<li>Selection and notification of finalists: 10 - 13 July 2026</li>
<li>Pitch day(s): 21 and 22 July 2026</li>
<li>Confirm selected solution provider: 29 July 2026</li>
<li>Submission to Innovation Funding Service (IFS): 5 August 2026</li>
<li>Project length: projects much be completed in 3 months within the funding period.</li>
</ul>
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Timescales

To lead a project as a solution provider your organisation must be a UK registered:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/life-of-a-company-annual-requirements/life-of-a-company-part-1-accounts#micro-entity">micro, small or medium sized enterprise</a> (SME)</li>
<li>academic institution</li>
<li>research and technology organisation (RTO)</li>
<li>community interest company (CIC) or charity</li>
</ul>
Subcontractors are allowed in this competition.
Subcontractors can be from anywhere in the UK and you must select them through your usual procurement process.
Your project must:
<ul>
<li>have a grant funding request of up to &pound;25,000</li>
<li>last for three months</li>
<li>not start before 1st June 2026</li>
<li>must end by 31st March 2027</li>
</ul>
Any funded organisation needs to carry out their project work in the UK and must intend to exploit the project results from or in the UK.
Applications will be assessed on:
<ul>
<li>relevance to the defined challenge</li>
<li>benefit of implementation</li>
<li>feasibility/economic viability</li>
<li>innovative nature</li>
<li>ability to launch in line with expected timescales</li>
<li>credibility of applicant company</li>
<li>coherence of the proposed business model</li>
<li>development potential</li>
<li>maturity of the solution</li>
<li>suitability for the intended geographic market</li>
</ul>
If selected, the solution provider will be supported to apply for&nbsp;up to &pound;25,000 grant funding&nbsp;to deliver a&nbsp;3‑month project through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS).
Applicants will need to upload the following documents to IFS once notified:
<ul>
<li>Project plan</li>
<li>Project costing</li>
<li>Minimal Financial Assistance (and de minimis where applicable) declaration (details can be found <a href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/general-guidance/funding-rules/">here</a>)</li>
</ul>
Minimal Financial Assistance:
Grant funding in this competition is awarded as Minimal Financial assistance (MFA). This allows public bodies to award up to &pound;315,000 to an enterprise in a 3-year rolling financial period. If your application is successful and you are invited to apply for grant funding you will be asked to declare previous funding received by you. This will form part of the financial checks ahead of Innovate UK making a formal grant offer.
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Eligibility & assessment criteria

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<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW84785998 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal1" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;547fecc1-069e-5015-b28b-451b56143813|1&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;Normal1&quot;,201340122,&quot;2&quot;,134234082,&quot;true&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;Normal1&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469777842,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469777843,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469777844,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469769226,&quot;Calibri&quot;,335559705,&quot;2057&quot;,201342446,&quot;1&quot;,201342447,&quot;5&quot;,201342448,&quot;1&quot;,201342449,&quot;1&quot;,201341986,&quot;1&quot;,268442635,&quot;24&quot;]}">Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.&nbsp;
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Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.&nbsp;
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Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder. (This would be expected to be after company selection, it is suggested that details of IP be not disclosed, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed).&nbsp;
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Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iXprogramme.
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IP & Potential Commercial Route

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<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW225304636 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[201342446,&quot;1&quot;,201342447,&quot;5&quot;,201342448,&quot;1&quot;,201342449,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Arial&quot;,469777842,&quot;Arial&quot;,469777843,&quot;Arial&quot;,469777844,&quot;Arial&quot;,201341986,&quot;1&quot;,469769226,&quot;Arial&quot;,268442635,&quot;24&quot;,469775450,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,201340122,&quot;1&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;normaltextrun&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469778324,&quot;Default Paragraph Font&quot;]}">The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions - Idea Summary, Technology Readiness and Intellectual Property &ndash; each with a limit of 300 words.
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Additionally, the following documents must be attached for your application to be considered:&nbsp;
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<li class="Paragraph SCXW225304636 BCX0">Project plan</li>
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<ul>
<li class="Paragraph SCXW225304636 BCX0">Project costings &ndash; only eligible costs will be funded, please read the Innovate UK&nbsp;<a class="Hyperlink SCXW225304636 BCX0" href="https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/guidance-for-applicants/costs-we-fund/costs-guidance-for-non-academic-organisations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Costs guidance</a>for further information</li>
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We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle &ldquo;Stage Complete&rdquo; for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked &ldquo;Submit Idea&rdquo; at the bottom of the Summary page.
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Application & Technical guidance

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<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW147871487 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal1" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{&quot;ObjectId&quot;:&quot;547fecc1-069e-5015-b28b-451b56143813|1&quot;,&quot;ClassId&quot;:1073872969,&quot;Properties&quot;:[469775450,&quot;Normal1&quot;,201340122,&quot;2&quot;,134234082,&quot;true&quot;,134233614,&quot;true&quot;,469778129,&quot;Normal1&quot;,335572020,&quot;1&quot;,469777841,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469777842,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469777843,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469777844,&quot;Calibri&quot;,469769226,&quot;Calibri&quot;,335559705,&quot;2057&quot;,201342446,&quot;1&quot;,201342447,&quot;5&quot;,201342448,&quot;1&quot;,201342449,&quot;1&quot;,201341986,&quot;1&quot;,268442635,&quot;24&quot;]}">By submitting an application to this Innovation Exchange (iX) challenge, you acknowledge and agree that the information you provide will be shared with Innovate UK Business Connect and the challenge holder for the purposes of assessment and selection. All information submitted will be handled in confidence and shared only with those involved in the assessment and selection process under appropriate confidentiality expectations.
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Please consider the level of detail you share in your submission to ensure it aligns with your own internal confidentiality or disclosure policies.
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A selected panel of assessors will review and score your application. The panel of assessors will meet and agree a consensus score. Successful solutions will be selected by the challenge holder. Success will be based upon total consensus scores, a portfolio approach and capacity within the challenge holder&rsquo;s organisation to carry out the projects.
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For more information on how Innovate UK Business Connect handles personal data, please refer to our&nbsp;<a class="Hyperlink SCXW147871487 BCX0" href="https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/privacy-policy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Privacy Policy</a>.
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Steam delivery optimisation for food factory use.

Opportunity

Challenge opens

Challenge closes

Benefit

Background

This challenge is brought to you by:

Steam delivery optimisation for food factory use.Copy Link

Opportunity

Challenge opens

Challenge closes

Benefit

Background

This challenge is brought to you by:

Steam delivery optimisation for food factory use.