NEWS18 November 2019

Scheme launched to support SMEs innovation and growth

The University of Surrey have now launched its SME Innovation Voucher Scheme for 2020 to fund collaborative projects between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and our world-class academics.

Tenants firms interested in taking part will need to apply by contacting Dan Bance at business@surrey.ac.uk. The business team will guide applicants through the application process with three closing dates on 6th December 2019, 17th January and 14th February 2020.

Successful participants will be able to harness the University’s world-class academic expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, explore complex challenges facing business, drive product innovation and most importantly accelerate growth.

The objective of the scheme is to cultivate closer ties between UK SMEs and the University, with a view to developing new partnerships and identifying opportunities for further collaboration.The team at the University of Surrey will work with applicants to understand their business needs and introduce companies to relevant academics to scope an innovative, exploratory project with clearly-defined tasks, deliverables and outcomes.

Projects may, for example, explore specific challenges, involve a feasibility study or proof-of-concept, test new products or introduce new processes – all designed to help your organisation to innovate and grow.

Each voucher fully covers the cost of the services provided by the University and is expected to be valued at between £5,000 and £10,000. Innovative projects requiring larger amounts may be considered where the value can be justified.

The scheme will cover in full the costs of the University’s services provided to successful applicant companies

We would also encourage interested parties to watch our short film to find out how other companies have benefitted from working with the University of Surrey and some of the many ways to collaborate with us. Better Together – Innovate and Grow with the University of Surrey