The Advanced Innovation Voucher (AIV) fosters enduring partnerships between Scottish organisations and a university or college. We welcome applications from small and medium-sized companies (SMEs),  sole traders, social enterprises and third sector organisations. (Pre-submission may be required).

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.

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. Please get in touch via applications@interface-online.org.uk if you have any queries or need help in identifying an academic partner.

Further Information

• Advanced Innovation Voucher Supporting Information – An overview of the AIV process.
• Interface Partner Portal Guide – A simple guide on how to use the Interface Partner Portal
• Glossary of Terms – Description of terminology used within the form.
• Advanced Innovation Voucher Legal Agreement – The template legal agreement 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

• Sample Advanced Innovation Voucher Application Form – Document that can be used as a reference when completing an application.
• 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.