The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrates the partnerships between business, third sector, and public sector organisations and academia. Now in its 10th anniversary year, this annual event recognises and rewards exceptional collaborations that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for Scotland. This year’s awards are the largest yet, with 10 categories designed to showcase the very best of knowledge exchange:

• Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd

Awarded for an innovative product, process, or service developed through collaboration between a business, public, or third sector organisation and a university, college, or research institute.

Applications are open to collaborative projects that have been facilitated by the Interface Business Engagement service or supported through Interface-managed funding schemes. Interface will contact and nominate eligible organisations for this award category. If you would like to enter this category, please contact marketing@interface-online.org.uk

• Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Recognises the achievements and impact of an individual who has made significant contributions to knowledge exchange projects.

• Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory

Showcases knowledge exchange projects where businesses outside Scotland have collaborated with Scottish academia, resulting in positive impacts for Scotland.

• Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by PraxisAuril

Celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to advancing knowledge exchange activities and raising awareness of their impact.

• Knowledge Exchange Heroes – team & individual awards

This award recognises the individuals and teams, working behind the scenes, who have played pivotal roles in supporting knowledge exchange activities.

• Making a Social Difference

Celebrates knowledge exchange projects that have made a significant positive social impact.

• Making an Environmental Difference

Recognises knowledge exchange projects that have made a meaningful impact on the environment.

• Multiparty Collaboration

Recognises consortia and groups collaborating on innovative knowledge exchange projects.

• Place-based Impact – sponsored by Business Gateway 

Celebrates collaborative initiatives that bring together partners from across Scotland to deliver targeted, positive outcomes for specific regions or local communities.

• Powerful Partnership – sponsored by Skillfluence

Recognises long-term strategic collaborations between business and academia that have delivered substantial, lasting impact.

We encourage you to apply for multiple categories, and don’t miss our toolkit for tips to support your application – download it here.

Key dates:

• Application deadline – applications are now closed.
• Shortlist announcement – 12^th February 2025
• Awards ceremony – 19th March 2025, Edinburgh Futures Institute