Innovation Voucher Scheme - Scottish Funding Council

General Information:

This new scheme from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is aimed at building relationships between SMEs (Small to Medium sized Enterprises) and HEIs (Higher Education Institutes) in Scotland.

The proposed collaborative project should lead to new products and processes that will benefit the business, the institution and the Scottish economy.

The awards are specifically to encourage new partnerships that have not jointly received funding from any source previously for the proposed project so as to build links between Scotland’s Higher Education Institutes and small businesses. 

The scheme is broad in its application, however funds may not be used to cover the costs of:

• standard training courses
• software purchases
• aid that would promote/ subsidise the cost of exports
• internships for students of knowledge institutions
• design and production of advertising materials
• sales activities

The award is for up to £5000, with a minimum of £500, and will be paid to the academic institution by the Scottish Funding Council to offset the costs of the collaborative project.

The company contribution is expected to match the grant contribution from the Scheme. All expenditure must be clearly accounted for in a final report.

Related Case Studies

• Queen Margaret University Assistance to social enterprises
• University of West of Scotland Reducing waste products from the oil and gas industry
• Orkney College Improving the visitor experience
• University of Abertay Dundee Creating new gaming technology
• Scottish Agricultural College Establishes a food hub with Ballathie Estates

Other case examples can be found by visiting this link. 

How to Apply:

The call for new awards will be made from 1st August 2010.

Please contact the Interface team if you would like further information or use our Contact us page.

For a copy of the Application Form and Guidance, please see the document below.

Eligibility:

All small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland (ie. those with a registration commencing SC) are eligible to partner with a HEI under the scheme. SME are organisations that are registered companies, employ between 1- 250 employees and have an annual turnover of less than £35 million.

Visit this Website: For further information please see Scottish Funding Council website

Download this document: Voucher Application Form and Guidance document (893.50 KB)