Claire Flanagan
Grants Lead @Kene B Corp
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WORK HISTORY
Grants Lead @Kene B Corp
Established Grants function working with cross-functional teams (Operations; Finance; Marketing) for the creation and launch of a new R&D grants advisory service within a well-established boutique consultancy.Regularly reported to C-suite management on progress and developing business case for evolving function needs and integration with wider company operations.Developed and delivered training materials and activities to upskill colleagues in R&D Grants service product knowledge, innovation strategy, and deep tech topics to build internal capability for service delivery.Advised deep-tech clients on R&D projects providing strategic direction on funding readiness aligned with regulatory readiness, IP strategy and technology commercialisation.Collaborated with clients to shape compelling technical and commercial narratives for competitive grant applications, ensuring alignment with market opportunity and innovation policy priorities, supporting them through the full grant lifecycle — from eligibility assessment and proposal scoping to submission, project kick off, and reporting.Engaged key players from across my network, the UK’s R&D ecosystem, relevant trade associations and Kene’s client portfolio for market penetration as a new Grants services provider and innovation consultancy. Onboarded new clients across AgriTech, Resource Recovery, Transport and Creative sectors. Represented Kene at industry events and online webinars to increase brand visibility in the deep tech ecosystem. Authored thought leadership content pieces on grant funding strategy against the evolving government policy and funding landscape.
EDUCATION
Queen's University Belfast
Bachelor's Degree, Chemistry
The University of Manchester
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Chemistry/Molecular Biology (BBSRC/DSM)
Delft University of Technology
Polymer & Materials Department
SKILLS
ABOUT CLAIRE FLANAGAN
I am an innovation and R&D professional with a strong track record of translating breakthrough ideas into funded, commercially viable technologies. My work focuses on enabling deep-tech and science-led ventures to move from concept to market through strategic R&D planning, funding acquisition, and commercial execution.I bring deep expertise in UK and EU innovation systems and I have significant experience in helping early-stage and scaling ventures secure R&D grant funding from UK national (Innovate UK, Defra, DSIT, DESNZ) and European level (EIC Accelerator, CBE JU, Horizon Europe, Eurostars) funding competitions by leading development of winning R&D project proposals. I have a demonstrable track record of successfully securing grant funding to advance development of innovative products, processes and/or services on behalf of my clients. As a trusted advisor, my work often extends beyond funding strategy, into shaping long-term innovation roadmaps, assessing market readiness, and aligning technical ambition with regulatory, investment, and sustainability goals.My technical background is in the chemical and biological sciences. I have extensive experience of collaborating with industry and academia from the bioeconomy, chemical, biotech, agri-tech and pharma sectors and have built a broad network of connections across the UK\'s R&D innovation ecosystem. With over a decade of experience across industrial biotechnology, sustainable materials, agritech, novel proteins, diagnostics, and clean technologies, I am particularly interested in technologies and innovations catalysing sustainability, driving growth within the circular and bio-economies. I’m passionate about helping purpose-driven organisations navigate their journey from R&D to impact.I’m always open to connecting with founders, investors and R&D leaders working to advance their R&D and unlock funding for deep-tech. Connect to arrange a no obligation grant acquisition strategy planning meeting and/or discuss potential project ideas for grant funding. I am also open to exploring fractional roles in R&D management and innovation support. c••••••••@kene.partners
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