Industry Examples which may qualify as R&D

Activities which may qualify as R&D

INdustry-Based Examples

Potential Fields where R&D can Occur (+ Many More!):

Agriculture & Farming Examples

Poultry & Pig Farming

  • Feeding trials, developing new feeds
  • Investigating the effect of light & ventilation
  • Stress reduction
  • Reduction of antibiotics
  • Breeding trials
  • Housing improvements
  • Improving animal welfare
  • Improvement to feed conversion
  • Reducing tail-biting

Dairy Farming

  • Improving genetic traits
  • Improving health
  • Reducing mortality rates
  • Developing new feeds
  • Enhancing milk production
  • Feed trials - types and timing
  • Reduction of antibiotics

Arable Farming

  • Investigating aeroponic / hydroponic systems
  • Investigating vertical growth systems
  • Trails to improve or optimise yield
  • Improving ground quality
  • Reducing environmental impact
  • Innovative use of sensors & drones
  • Modifying fertilisers

Example 1

The advancement to technology that the company sought was the development of significantly improved pig genetics to enhance feed conversion ratio (FCR) while maintaining other key performance traits such as growth rate, fertility, and carcass composition.

This research and development effort focused on genetic selection in pig farming and involved overcoming technical barriers associated with the multifactorial influences on FCR, which required moving beyond traditional single-breed methodologies. To address these challenges, the company trialled multiple sire line breeds and used statistical models and genomic selection techniques. The main challenges included the polygenic nature of FCR traits, the environmental dependency of these traits, and the uncertainty surrounding the long-term performance and adaptability of new breeds. Through a comprehensive research strategy involving data collection, mixed model analysis, and longitudinal studies, the company aimed to resolve these uncertainties and improve the genetic architecture of pigs for better feed efficiency.

 

Pig- Agriculture & Farming R&D Tax Credit Claims by Harmoney Consulting

Example 2

The advancement to technology that the company sought was the development of new protocols for the safe and effective use of a cattle anthelmintic drug (Drug A) to control cestode infestations in poultry. This innovation involved repurposing a drug designed for cattle for use in poultry and required overcoming industry challenges related to species-specific physiological differences, such as metabolism and drug absorption, which impacted hatchability rates due to early embryo mortality.

The company’s research and development involved controlled trials to determine appropriate dosages and administration methods that would not adversely affect embryo development. The challenges included a lack of existing data on cross-species drug application and the intricacies of embryonic development in poultry, which necessitated detailed post-mortem examinations and careful monitoring of variables to isolate the drug’s effects. These efforts aimed to fill a critical knowledge gap in veterinary science by providing insights into the cross-species efficacy and safety of Drug A, with the goal of establishing new guidelines for parasite control in poultry.

 

Chicken - Agriculture & Farming R&D Tax Credit Claims by Harmoney Consulting

Example 3

The advancement to technology that the company sought was the development of a precision cultivation system that enhances phosphorus use efficiency and allows for significant reductions in seed input within large-scale potato farming.

The company’s research and development involved extensive field-scale trials across over 1,000 acres, which aimed to validate a novel methodology combining subsurface phosphorus delivery with reduced seeding density. This work sought to address challenges such as ensuring phosphorus bioavailability under diverse environmental conditions, optimising plant spacing and development at lower seed rates, and reliably deploying a subsurface delivery infrastructure. The project overcame these challenges through systematic experimentation and analysis, eventually achieving a reduction in seed input from the standard 3,000–3,500 kg per hectare to around 2,200 kg per hectare without compromising yield or quality, representing a significant improvement over traditional agronomic practices.

 

 

 

Seeds - Agriculture & Farming R&D Tax Credit Claims by Harmoney Consulting

Environmental Science Examples

Geology

  • New methods/techniques for mineral exploration that improve accuracy or efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
  • Designing & testing new drilling equipment/techniques that enhance extraction processes while minimising damage to geological structures.
  • Developing new analytical techniques for geochemical data to improve the understanding of mineral composition and distribution.
  • Improving remote sensing technologies for better geological mapping and mineral detection from satellite or aerial data.
  • Researching and implementing new mining techniques that reduce carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
  • Conducting studies to develop new methods/technologies that mitigate the environmental impact of geological activities.

Environmental Biology

  • Developing new methods to improve crop yield while reducing environmental impact, such as developing bio-fertilisers or pest control solutions.
  • Conducting research to assess the effects of industrial activities or new technologies on ecosystems, aiming to develop models or mitigation strategies.
  • Developing techniques for habitat restoration, species reintroduction, or genetic mapping of endangered species to enhance biodiversity.
  • Researching and developing new biofuels or biogas production methods from waste materials to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
  • Designing and testing new systems or products to help ecosystems adapt to climate change, such as drought-resistant crops or flood management technologies.
  • Developing technologies for air, water, or soil pollution monitoring and remediation, including bioremediation techniques.
  • Developing new methods for recycling or repurposing biological waste to reduce landfill use and enhance circular economy practices.

Environmental Engineering (Ecology)

  • Designing innovative processes to reduce environmental impact, such as converting waste to energy or improving recycling technologies.
  • Researching and developing new biodegradable or recyclable materials that minimise ecological harm.
  • Inventing more efficient or cost-effective methods for treating and purifying water to ensure safety and sustainability.
  • Developing techniques to restore natural habitats or increase biodiversity in ecosystems affected by human activities.
  • Designing systems/technologies to reduce emissions and improve air quality, such as filtration methods or pollution monitoring devices.
  • Developing new technologies for harnessing renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, or bioenergy, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Conducting research to develop new methods/technologies that help ecosystems or communities adapt to changing climate conditions.

Example

The advancement to technology that the company sought was to advance bund management technology by integrating a remote-controlled seeder.

The aim was to develop a fully mechanised system capable of traversing bunds and distributing seed without the need for manual intervention. This required the adaptation of a fertiliser unit to handle seed dispersal, a task complicated by the finer consistency of seed compared to granular fertilisers. The flow rate and discharge gates had to be modified to ensure an even and controlled spread of seed.

Additionally, a custom bracketry system was developed to securely attach the seeder while maintaining balance and mobility. A further innovation involved designing a foldable frame with retractable wings, allowing the unit to be transported on a standard trailer without exceeding width constraints. Electrical power supplies were also introduced, as the typical operation is on hydraulic power, while the seeding mechanism required an electric motor. A 12V power system with remote activation and deactivation capabilities was implemented to allow precise control over seed distribution. This combination of adaptations sought a significant advancement beyond existing methodologies, as no prior solution incorporated these elements into a cohesive, automated system.

Manufacturing & Workshop Engineering Examples

General Manufacturing

  • Designing and engineering new manufacturing products or components that offer significant advancements in technology.
  • Significantly improving manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, quality, or sustainability, such as developing a more efficient production line or reducing waste.
  • Developing and testing prototypes to resolve uncertainties about performance, materials, or production techniques, including iterative design and testing for improvements.
  • Experimentation with new materials or combinations of materials to improve product durability or achieve specific properties.
  • Developing or integrating new automation or robotic systems to improve manufacturing precision or reduce manual labour.

Welding & Fabrication

  • Experimenting with innovative welding methods that enhance efficiency or quality, such as reducing weld defects or improving joint strength.
  • Researching and developing new alloys or composite materials that offer enhanced properties like corrosion resistance or heat tolerance for specific applications.
  • Designing and testing more efficient welding processes that reduce energy consumption or increase production speed without compromising quality.
  • Developing automated welding systems or robotic solutions that require new software or mechanical designs to handle complex fabrication tasks.
  • Developing improved inspection and quality assurance techniques, such as non-destructive testing methods, that improve the detection of flaws in welds and fabricated components.
  • Developing eco-friendly welding practices that minimise waste production or use sustainable materials, aligning with environmental guidelines.
  • Designing and prototyping new tools or fixtures that solve industry challenges in the welding process, reducing time and cost.

Materials Engineering

  • Developing new composite materials with enhanced properties such as strength, durability, or thermal resistance.
  • Developing new manufacturing processes or significantly improving existing ones to increase efficiency or reduce waste.
  • Designing and testing prototypes of new materials or products to analyse their performance and scalability.
  • Conducting in-depth analyses to understand material failures and develop solutions to improve product longevity.
  • Researching and developing eco-friendly materials or processes to minimise environmental impact.
  • Analysing material structures and properties at micro or nano level.
  • Developing new methods/technologies for recycling or repurposing used materials to extend their lifecycle.
  • Investigating and developing alternative materials that offer similar properties at a reduced cost.

Precision Engineering

  • Developing new methods or significantly improving existing technical processes to enhance precision, efficiency, or quality in production.
  • Experimenting with or developing new materials that offer superior performance, durability, or cost-effectiveness, requiring technical advances.
  • Designing and constructing prototypes to test new concepts or enhancements in precision engineering components or systems.
  • Developing or improving robotic systems or automated processes that increase precision and reduce human error in manufacturing.
  • Developing new or improved measurement techniques and equipment that offer higher accuracy and reliability.
  • Complex analysis or experimentation to improve the design of engineering components or systems.
  • Researching and developing new methods or technologies to improve the energy efficiency of precision engineering processes or products.

Construction Examples

Civil Engineering

  • Designing and implementing innovative railway systems, including track improvements and signalling technologies to enhance efficiency and safety.
  • Developing advanced techniques for laying drainage systems and pipes that improve water flow and reduce environmental impact.
  • Designing and constructing cutting-edge commercial and retail spaces that incorporate sustainable materials and smart technologies for better technical efficiency.
  • Developing new design methodologies and materials for bridges that improve durability and reduce maintenance costs.
  • Improve tunnelling techniques and materials to enhance structural integrity and reduce construction time.
  • Designing efficient ventilation systems for railway tunnels to improve air quality and safety for passengers.
  • Developing and testing systems that effectively manage stormwater and reduce flood risks in urban areas.
  • Integrating IoT technologies in retail environments to improve energy use.
  • Implementing smart sensors and IoT for real-time monitoring and maintenance of bridge structures.
  • Developing innovative materials and designs to reduce noise pollution within tunnels and adjacent areas.

Structural Engineering

  • Developing new sustainable or high-performance materials, such as composites or bio-based materials, to improve structural integrity and reduce environmental impact.
  • Developing new design methods or algorithms to improve structural performance, reduce weight, or enhance resilience against environmental factors like earthquakes or wind.
  • Experimenting with new construction methods or processes, such as modular construction or 3D printing, to improve efficiency, safety, or sustainability.
  • Designing and implementing sensors or IoT devices in structures to monitor health, performance, or energy efficiency, thereby contributing to smart infrastructure.
  • Developing or enhancing software solutions for structural analysis, simulation, or BIM (Building Information Modelling) to improve design accuracy and efficiency.
  • Researching and developing techniques to enhance the sustainability, energy efficiency, or carbon footprint of structural projects.
  • Developing new methods for retrofitting existing structures to extend their lifespan or improve their performance against modern standards.

Demolition

  • Designing and testing new methods to safely and efficiently demolish structures while minimising environmental impact.
  • Developing methods to enhance the recovery and recycling of materials from demolished structures, aiming to improve sustainability and reduce landfill waste.
  • Developing new safety equipment or protocols for demolition projects, enhancing worker protection and site safety.
  • Computational models to predict and analyse structural behaviour during demolition, leading to more precise and controlled operations.
  • Researching and implementing technologies to reduce noise, dust, and vibration during demolition activities.
  • Designing and integrating robotic systems or automated machinery to perform demolition tasks more safely and efficiently.
  • Experimenting with methods that require less energy consumption during the demolition process, contributing to overall energy savings.
  • Developing non-explosive techniques for building demolition to ensure safety in densely populated or sensitive areas.
  • Developing monitoring systems to track structural changes and environmental conditions during demolition, ensuring compliance and safety.

Architecture Examples

Architecture

  • Researching and developing new sustainable or energy-efficient building materials that improve construction methods or enhance building performance.
  • Designing and testing unique structural frameworks to overcome industry site challenges, such as in earthquake-prone areas.
  • Developing advanced BIM techniques or software to improve design accuracy, collaboration, or project management efficiency.
  • Developing novel systems or technologies to significantly reduce the energy consumption of new or existing buildings.
  • Experimenting with new design approaches or materials to solve complex acoustic challenges in buildings like concert halls or recording studios.
  • Developing cutting-edge fire detection or suppression systems to enhance building safety beyond current standards.
  • Developing methods for integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, seamlessly into building designs.
  • Improving construction methods to incorporate emerging technologies like 3D printing or modular construction to solve unique architectural challenges.

Example

The advancement to technology that the company sought was the design and engineering of a mixed-use apartment block on a constrained site. The objective was to design a building that would replace an old fire-damaged property whilst complying with evolving post-Grenfell fire safety regulations, stringent conservation area requirements, and structural challenges due to an underground tunnel and nearby schools.

The research and development involved designing a seven-storey, high-risk building amid changing regulations, where formal guidance on fire safety, cladding, and compartmentation had yet to be issued. The design needed to enhance the conservation area, meeting both modern safety standards and heritage requirements. The advancement involved developing new solutions for fire safety, structural design, and stakeholder collaboration, aiming to extend beyond existing methodologies at the time. This sought to advance design methodology for high-risk building design.

Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Examples

Mechanical Engineering

  • Developing new materials with enhanced properties, such as increased strength, reduced weight, or improved resistance to heat or corrosion.
  • Designing and implementing new manufacturing processes that increase efficiency, reduce waste, or enhance the quality of the final product.
  • Developing and testing prototypes to evaluate new concepts, including iterative testing to significantly improve technical processes or products.
  • Developing automated systems or robotic solutions to improve production capabilities and reduce manual intervention.
  • Engineering solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption through innovative techniques or technologies.
  • Developing new computational models or simulations to predict performance or improve the design of mechanical systems.
  • Integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as IoT or AI, into mechanical systems not designed to do so to enhance functionality or performance.
  • Conducting in-depth analysis of failures in existing systems and redesigning components to prevent recurrence and improve reliability.

Electrical Engineering

  • Designing new energy-efficient power distribution systems or improving existing ones to enhance performance and reduce energy loss.
  • Developing algorithms and control systems for automation that improve the precision and efficiency of electrical devices.
  • Designing and testing prototypes of cutting-edge electronic components, such as semiconductors or sensors, that offer significant technological improvements.
  • Experimenting with emerging technologies like IoT, AI, or machine learning in electrical systems to improve functionality and connectivity.
  • Researching and developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including solar panels or wind turbines, to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
  • Conducting experiments to ensure new electrical products meet electromagnetic compatibility standards, reducing interference with other devices.
  • Investigating and implementing significant changes to manufacturing processes to enhance the quality, efficiency, or sustainability of electrical products.

M&E

  • Development of high-efficiency HVAC systems
  • Improving heat pumps, VRF systems, and energy recovery systems to reduce energy use.
  • Improvement of building automation systems
  • Smarter controls, occupancy-based ventilation, and energy optimisation methods.
  • Development of modular / prefabricated mechanical systems
  • Skid-mounted pump rooms, packaged mechanical rooms, and faster installation methods.
  • Improvement of power distribution systems
  • Smarter switchgear, arc-flash reduction methods, and energy monitoring systems.
  • Development of renewable energy integration systems
  • Solar + battery storage systems and building microgrid methods.
  • Improvement of EV charging infrastructure systems
  • Load balancing methods and integration with building electrical systems.

Example

The advancement to technology that the company sought was the development of an approach to appreciably improve automated shore power systems, originally developed for the UK rail market, for affective deployment in an environment outside of its typical operation range. The existing UK system was built for operation at 400V AC and in relatively mild climate conditions, but it was not designed to handle the extreme heat, dust, and multi-voltage requirements of the Middle Eastern context. The team sought to redesign the system to function efficiently at ambient temperatures reaching 55°C and surface temperatures up to 80°C, develop multi-voltage compatibility to interface with both CAF (1000V) and CRRC (400V) train systems, and engineer a novel pre-charge and protection system to safely energise CAF trains lacking onboard capacitor protection. These improvements required overcoming significant technical uncertainties, such as ensuring environmental resilience against heat and dust, adapting voltage systems to unprecedented levels for shore systems, and achieving compatibility with diverse train technologies. The new system sought to improve the capability of shore power systems with increased operational safety, reliability, and environmental suitability in extreme conditions.

Chemical Engineering Examples

Chemical Engineering

  • Developing new techniques/methodologies that significantly improve efficiency, reduce waste, or enhance the sustainability of chemical manufacturing.
  • Conducting experimental research to significantly improve existing production processes to increase yield, reduce costs, or improve environmental impact.
  • Developing new materials or chemical compounds that offer superior performance characteristics or durability for specific applications.
  • Designing and implementing pilot plant trials to scale up laboratory research to industrial levels, ensuring the process is viable on a larger scale.
  • Developing manufacture/application processes that minimise emissions, reduce energy consumption, or improve recycling techniques within chemical production.
  • Researching and developing new safety measures or protocols that address potential hazards in chemical engineering processes.
  • Developing significantly improved control systems or integrating new technology to enhance the automation of chemical processes.
  • Applying biotechnology to traditional chemical processes to engineer bio-based chemicals or materials.

Example

The advance sought was to reduce the total number of allergens in product formulations while maintaining the same level of performance in terms of texture, colour, and longevity. Achieving this required innovative approaches to formulation and a deep understanding of the chemical interactions between ingredients. The final solution sought a significant technological advancement because it enabled the reduction of allergens from 35 to an average of 20 allergens, without sacrificing the quality of the product. This was achieved through a combination of ingredient substitution, reformulation strategies, and iterative testing, which allowed the team to isolate specific allergens responsible for undesirable changes in product performance. This development aimed to extend beyond the current state of the art, as no existing formulations were capable of simultaneously addressing new regulatory requirements and preserving the desired product characteristics.

Mathematics & Data Science Examples

  • Developing new algorithms or significantly improving existing ones to solve complex mathematical problems or enhance data processing efficiency.
  • Innovating new machine learning models or artificial intelligence techniques that offer advancements in prediction accuracy or computational efficiency.
  • Developing novel techniques for managing, processing, or analysing large volumes of data that improve performance or scalability beyond existing solutions.
  • Designing new methods for data encryption and security that offer significant improvements in safeguarding sensitive information.
  • Developing unique statistical models or approaches that provide new insights or handle data in ways not achievable with current methodologies.
  • Engineering improved visualisation tools or techniques that enable better interpretation of complex datasets or reveal insights that were previously impossible to detect.
  • Developing new efficiency improvement methods for resource allocation or other complex systems that improve reliability or effectiveness.
  • Innovating in predictive analytics by creating new models that significantly enhance the ability to forecast outcomes in various industries.
  • Significantly improving NLP technologies to better understand, interpret, or generate human language in ways that surpass existing capabilities.
  • Developing sophisticated simulation models that provide new insights or capabilities in fields such as finance, engineering, or healthcare.

Software & TEchnology Examples

  • Developing new algorithms to solve complex computational problems or improve data processing efficiency.
  • Designing a new software architecture that enhances scalability, performance, or integration capabilities compared to existing solutions.
  • Developing cutting-edge encryption techniques or security protocols to protect data and networks against emerging threats.
  • Developing novel machine learning models or artificial intelligence technologies that push the boundaries of current capabilities.
  • Engineering new hardware components or systems that offer unprecedented performance improvements or capabilities.
  • Developing new methods for improving cloud resource management, reducing latency, or increasing data processing speeds.
  • Creating tools or techniques for handling and analysing large-scale data sets in a more efficient or insightful manner.
  • Developing new IoT devices or networks that offer enhanced connectivity, data collection, or interaction capabilities.
  • Designing new blockchain protocols or consensus mechanisms that improve upon existing blockchain technologies in terms of speed, security, or scalability.

Example 1

The company aimed to develop a blockchain-based voting system that enhances security and transparency in electoral processes. Over two years, the company faced the challenge of ensuring tamper-proof and transparent transaction records while maintaining voter anonymity. The research and development process involved designing a new consensus mechanism and cryptographic algorithms that could handle large volumes of transactions securely, reliably, and efficiently. The project required the development of a unique blockchain architecture and extensive testing to ensure scalability and resilience against cyber threats.

Example 2

The advancement to technology that the company sought was the development of an augmented reality (AR) software platform to enhance remote collaboration capabilities. The company aimed to develop a platform that allows users to interact with 3D models in a shared virtual space, which required breakthroughs in real-time data processing and rendering. The main challenges included achieving low latency in data transmission and ensuring seamless integration for use across different devices. The team sought to address these issues by developing innovative rendering techniques and appreciably improving network protocols.

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