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. Projects must be completed with final report submission by mid-March 2024 at the latest.

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.