The Standard Innovation Voucher scheme encourages new collaborations between a Scottish organisation and a university or college.
It aims to make collaborative work accessible to all Small to Medium-sized Enterprise’s (SME’s), sole traders, social enterprises and third sector organisations and is open to applications from all industry sectors.
With a value between £1,000 and up to £7,500 the funding covers the academic project costs and is paid directly to the university or college. The organisation must contribute a matching in kind value, such as staff time, materials, equipment or a combination of both.
There are two types of Standard Innovation Voucher:
- Product/Process/Service Innovation Voucher: to support the development of a new product, process, or service for their company.
- Workplace Innovation Voucher: to develop the company’s internal workforce, including new or enhanced workplace processes, innovative workplace practices, or innovative business expertise. This does not include staff CPD or to finance any external training courses.
How to Apply
The application form must be completed by both the academic and SME partners. All applications must be completed through the Interface Partner Portal which is managed by your university or college partner. Contact us if you do not have an academic partner or if you have any questions on the scheme: info@interface-online.org.uk
Please read this overview of the Standard Innovation Voucher process: Standard Innovation Voucher Supporting Information
Access the Interface Partner Portal
Further Information
- Glossary of Terms – Description of terminology used within the form.
- Interface Partner Portal Guide – A simple guide on how to use the Interface Partner Portal
- Standard Innovation Voucher Legal Agreement – A template legal agreement used by all universities. To be used by the collaborative organisation and university or college. Please note this is a condition of accepting the voucher award and the terms of this agreement are not subject to any amendment.
– Standard Innovation Voucher Legal Agreement (in-kind only)
– Standard Innovation Voucher Legal Agreement (in cash & in-kind)
Forms
- Staff Costs: Sample Timesheet – Document that may be used by the academic as an aide-memoir to record their Project Costs. Does not require to be submitted to the panel.
- Pre-Submission Information – Please complete if you have a query over eligibility i.e., Sole Traders/Partnerships/Companies with English registration etc.
- Project Change Request Form – Complete this form if there has been a delay or change to the project and await approval.
The Student Placement Voucher scheme has been developed by Interface to building on existing relationships between Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Scotland.
Before you can apply for a Student Placement Voucher you must have completed a Standard Innovation Voucher. The Student Placement Voucher will build upon the relationship you developed with the HEI team. Your project will be led by the same academic team and should offer valuable business skills and experience to a PhD or Masters Student.
If your application for a Student Placement Voucher is successful you will receive a grant between £1,000 and up to £7,500 which will be used to cover the academic project. The organisation must contribute a matching in kind value, such as staff time, materials, equipment, or a combination of both. The organisation participating must have suitable premises to host the student.
How to Apply
The application form must be completed by both the academic and SME partners. All applications must be completed through the Interface Partner Portal which is managed by your university or college partner. Contact us if you do not have an academic partner or if you have any questions on the scheme. info@interface-online.org.uk
Please read this overview of the Student Innovation Voucher process: Student Innovation Voucher Supporting Information
Access the Interface Partner Portal
Access the Interface Partner Portal
Further Information:
- Interface Partner Portal Guide – A simple guide on how to use the Interface Partner Portal
The Advanced Innovation Voucher (AIV) fosters enduring partnerships between small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) and universities or colleges in Scotland.
It aims to make collaborative work accessible to organisations and is open to applications from all industry sectors. The projects supported by this scheme should lead to the development of new products, services, and processes, benefiting your organisation, the academic institution you collaborate with, and the Scottish economy.
The Advanced Innovation Vouchers, delivered in partnership with our funding partner Scottish Enterprise, are offered on a sliding scale basis with a matched grant of up to £20,000. To determine the value of your voucher, the business and academic team should establish the project scope and milestones which then determine the overall costings for the project. The company cash contributions can then be determined from the overall project value.
How to Apply
Your proposed project must focus on innovation and demonstrate the potential to lead to new products, services, or processes. If you work for an SME with fewer than 250 employees, and a turnover of less than £50million you’re eligible to apply for an Advanced Innovation Voucher.
To express interest, or to discuss options and eligibility in relation to the voucher, email applications@interface-online.org.uk.
Further Information
- Advanced Innovation Voucher Supporting Information – An overview of the AIV process.
- Glossary of Terms – Description of terminology used within the form.
- Advanced Innovation Voucher Legal Agreement – A template legal agreement used by all universities. To be used by the collaborative organisation and university or college. Please note this is a condition of accepting the voucher award and the terms of this agreement are not subject to any amendment.
Forms
- Advanced Innovation Voucher – Funders Questionnaire
- Advanced Innovation Voucher Application Form – Form to be jointly completed by the organisation and the university/college. To be formally submitted by the relevant academic organisation.
- Staff Costs – Sample Timesheet – Document that may be used by the academic as an aide-memoir to record their project costs. Does not require to be submitted to the panel.
- Pre-Submission Information – To be completed if you have a query over eligibility i.e., Sole Traders/Partnerships/Companies with English registration etc.