startups

Update: The full application process and guidance notes are now live.

Monday (4th April) sees the launch of a new R&D grant scheme from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) for small and medium-sized companies in science, engineering and technology sectors.

Unlike previous TSB schemes which have required organisations to collaborate in order to secure funding, the R&D grants are available to single companies, which must be based in the UK and fit with the EU definition of an SME. 

Three types of grant are available:

thingmakers will be holding an intense one-day conference in October 2011 about the best of 3D printing and customised manufacturing, covering available technologies, who's doing what, who is making a success of 3D printing, and where is it all going?

We're delighted the organisers have offered one lucky Chinwagger the chance to win a free conference ticket worth £150.

Entering the competition could not be easier, simply fill in the form below by Wednesday 27th April and the ticket could be yours.

Social Media Week London generated so much coverage that it's taken us a little while to pull together all the information. Our first review brings together the video, slides, pictures and coverage from The Future of Social Search hosted by i-Spy Marketing.

The event investigated how Search and Social fit together, influence one another and how Facebook Advertising will be the next big thing.

After a very busy, very tiring, but very productive week out to the famous SXSW we have returned. All companies in check, no broken bones or more importantly broken laptops and with some great stories to tell - lets start off at day one…

Thursday

As we touched down in refreshingly sunny Austin you could tell it was going to be a good week, with the sun shinning and the geeky vibes buzzing there was a lot to look forward to.

Jumping timezones had left everyone slightly confused as to what day and time it was so we eased the companies participating on the UKTI Mission in slowly with a networking reception at the Moonshine Grill. The Texan food on offer including buffalo meatballs and “corn dog” shrimp definitely got our taste bubs ready for the next few days, washed down with a few magaritas.

It gave the companies a chance to get to know one another a little better as well as meeting the UKTI and Chinwag teams. With the easy start to the busy week ahead most of us headed to bed, minus a few that started the SXSW parties early!

Everyone knows that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Or breakfast. Or drinks...

That is, unless you're in Austin for South by South West (SXSW). The Chinwag team will be heading out to Austin along with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and 31 of the UK's leading digital companies on the UKTI Mission to SXSW.

Alongside the 200+ conference sessions, the trade show (where the Brits have a stand so big, it's been dubbed the British aisle - geddit?) and dozens of evening events, there's more than a handful with an international flavour. 

For those heading in to Austin from abroad, it's a great chance to meet fellow travellers, and the Americans interested in making connections overseas. Here's a few we're involved with (and if you know of more, please feel free to add them in the comments):

• Chinwag's Global Grill @ SXSW
• The Great British Booze-Up
• Great British Breakfast: SXSWi