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- Tasks: Lead projects to develop CHERI-enabled devices for embedded computing.
- Company: Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, driving tech innovation.
- Benefits: Potential funding up to £10 million, with support for diverse projects.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge initiative that shapes the future of computing technology.
- Qualifications: Organisations must have existing microcontroller systems or be developing CHERI-enabled devices.
- Other info: Encourages diverse applications and offers support for accessibility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a Contracts for Innovation competition funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The aim of the competition is to fund activities in maturing and growing the availability of commercial off-the-shelf implementations of CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions) enabled devices for embedded computing. This competition has a single phase, two-stage process. The decision to proceed to stage 2 depends on successful delivery of milestones in stage 1 and budget availability. The funding is up to £3 million for stage 1 and up to £7 million for stage 2, but not all projects may be funded. Any adoption of solutions from this competition will be subject to a separate procurement process; this competition does not cover purchasing solutions.
Applicant Organisations Must:
- have an existing microcontroller or microprocessor system-on-chip device they want to modify to be a CHERI-enabled device, or be developing or have developed a CHERI-enabled device and want to broaden its market or accelerate its availability.
A CHERI-enabled device is a system-on-chip silicon implementation using the RISC-V architecture with CHERI extensions as per the RISC-V Specification for CHERI Extensions. There is also a parallel competition for developing CHERI tools and software, with £12m funding, closing on 18 June.
Project Leadership and Eligibility:
- Organisations of any size can lead a project.
- Applicants can work alone or with subcontractors who possess specialist skills.
- Subcontractors are limited to specialist tasks.
- Contracts will be awarded to a single legal entity.
- Most project work and key deliverables must be completed in the UK by the applicant.
- Multiple applications from the same organisation are allowed.
Accessibility and Support:
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and aim to make the process accessible, including reasonable adjustments for disabilities. Contact us at least 15 working days before the deadline for support. Contact details: email or call 0300 321 4357, Mon-Fri, 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm UK time.
Project Requirements:
- Start by 1 September 2025.
- End by 31 March 2028.
- Duration between 6 and 31 months.
- Stage 1 costs up to £1.5 million (VAT inclusive).
- Stage 2 costs between £500,000 and £3.5 million (VAT inclusive).
- Stage 1 must complete by 31 March 2026.
- No extensions are possible.
- All milestones for stage 2 must be completed before 31 March 2028.
- Applications must include measurable milestones and a minimum of 50% of the contract value attributed to R&D activities.
Funding Details:
Total funding allocated is up to £10 million (VAT inclusive), with £3 million for stage 1 and £7 million for stage 2. Projects will be selected based on relevance and scope, with a focus on projects relevant to CNI deployment.
Funding Conditions and Risk Management:
The continuation of funding is subject to a review in March 2026, with a 3-month notice period if funding is terminated. Projects that do not meet stage 1 milestones will receive a 30-day notice. Projects must be designed to deliver tangible results by March 2026 in case of funding termination. If milestones are met, projects may proceed to stage 2.
Project Focus and Market Approach:
The competition aims to accelerate the availability of off-the-shelf CHERI devices, supported by specific use cases and customer validation. Outputs should support broader adoption by industry and developers, with a credible route to market.
Portfolio Approach and Prioritization:
Funding will be awarded across diverse projects, with a focus on relevance to CNI deployment.
Additional Resources:
An online briefing event was held on 20 May. Slides are available for download. For assistance in finding partners, contact Innovate UK Business Connect’s Electronics and Computing team. Find out more and apply.
Contracts for Innovation: DSbD Advancing CHERI RISC-V Devices employer: Innovate UK ICURe
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK ICURe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts for Innovation: DSbD Advancing CHERI RISC-V Devices
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the CHERI architecture and its implications for RISC-V devices. Understanding the technical details will help you articulate your project ideas more effectively during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the embedded computing field, especially those who have experience with CHERI-enabled devices. Building connections can provide insights and potential collaboration opportunities that may strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend relevant workshops or webinars related to CHERI and RISC-V technologies. Engaging in these events can enhance your knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare a clear roadmap of your project milestones and deliverables. Being able to present a well-structured plan will show your understanding of the competition's requirements and your capability to meet them.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts for Innovation: DSbD Advancing CHERI RISC-V Devices
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Competition: Familiarise yourself with the Contracts for Innovation competition details. Make sure you understand the objectives, funding structure, and eligibility criteria for CHERI-enabled devices.
Outline Your Project: Clearly define your project goals, including how you plan to modify or develop a CHERI-enabled device. Highlight measurable milestones and ensure at least 50% of the contract value is allocated to R&D activities.
Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all necessary documents, such as project plans, budgets, and any previous work related to CHERI devices. Ensure that your application includes a detailed description of your existing microcontroller or microprocessor system-on-chip.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review it thoroughly for clarity and completeness. Ensure that all information aligns with the competition requirements and submit your application through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK ICURe
✨Understand the CHERI Technology
Make sure you have a solid grasp of CHERI technology and its implications for RISC-V devices. Familiarise yourself with the specifications and how they apply to embedded computing, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Prepare Your Project Ideas
Think about potential projects or modifications you could propose that align with the competition's goals. Be ready to discuss how your ideas can meet the funding requirements and contribute to the broader adoption of CHERI-enabled devices.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to showcase any previous experience you have with microcontroller or microprocessor systems, especially if you've worked on similar projects. This will help establish your credibility and capability to lead a project successfully.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the competition, funding conditions, or project expectations. This shows your engagement and helps clarify any uncertainties you may have about the process.
