The Interface team can discuss a number of different funding opportunities with you so please contact us or, for further information on general funding visit business.scotland.gov.uk/funding.

Discover a range of funding opportunities currently available:

National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) Innovation Voucher Scheme

The scheme has been developed to foster connections between NBIC academic research partners and regional companies by offering vouchers to subsidise the costs of collaborative projects which make use of the partner universities’ facilities and researchers.

Academic-industry partners can apply for up to £10,000 to support projects aligned with NBIC’s strategic themes to Prevent, Detect, Manage and Engineer biofilms. These projects should be focused on developing new products or services which help the industry partner innovate and grow as a business. Interface have supported in the development of this scheme and have integrated the application process into their Partner Portal.

UNITE open calls: Transform the future of European digital health

UNITE is a major pan-European programme aimed at transforming healthcare through digital deep tech innovation. As healthcare systems across Europe face growing challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative digital solutions.

The first UNITE Open Call is now open and offering €4 million in financial support for breakthrough solutions that will transform European healthcare. The call has been designed to support start-ups, scale-ups, and SMEs in delivering deep tech solutions that can bridge regional innovation gaps, enhance Europe’s global competitiveness, and secure equal access to healthcare for all.

Submissions are now open and will close on 15 January 2026.

Interface also work with a number of other organisations that offer funding to stimulate innovation. These include:

• Knowledge Transfer Partnership – accelerate business innovation by supporting knowledge exchange with academic institutions. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/knowledge-transfer-partnerships-what-they-are-and-how-to-apply
• SMART: SCOTLAND available pan Scotland – provides grants to Small / Medium Enterprises (SMEs) based in Scotland. The grant helps you undertake technical feasibility studies and research and development (R&D) projects that have a commercial endpoint: http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/smart-scotland/overview
• Innovate UK Innovation grants for business – businesses and research organisations can apply to funding competitions to help them develop their innovations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/innovation-grants-for-business-apply-for-funding
• Intellectual asset protection – free, impartial advice to help your business identify, manage and exploit intellectual property assets – protecting your brand and ideas in overseas markets. (Any enquiries on IP for the South of Scotland should be directed to South of Scotland Enterprise.) For more information visit https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/support-for-businesses/develop-products-and-services/innovation-support
• Research and development (R&D) tax relief for SME’s – Corporation Tax relief for costs on research and development (R&D) if you’re a small or medium-sized enterprise. Learn More: Research and Development tax relief for small and medium-sized enterprises – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• R&D Grants: Discover further grant opportunities for research and development via Find Business Support: Find business support in Scotland – Find Business Support
• Converge Challenges: Designed to support university staff, students and recent graduates from across Scotland, our programme provides the knowledge, expertise and connections you need to develop and grow a thriving, sustainable business. Applications are currently closed.

Please note Interface do not manage any of the above funding streams. If you have specific enquires about them, please visit the associated websites and contact them directly. If you would like to discuss academic involvement with any of the funding opportunities please contact us.