Introduction
The aim of the UK Catalysis Hub Business Interaction Vouchers scheme is to encourage and support those initial steps towards collaboration between academic partners and industrial partners within the UK Catalysis Hub Networks.
It is expected that the vouchers will help resource small, confidenceābuilding measures between an academic partner and an industrial based partner with the view that they will deliver more significant future outcomes ā for example:
- a longer-term relationship
- improved interaction
- new research technology transfer projects
Eligibility
Either partner ā industry or academic ā can initiate the application but funds will only be paid to the academic partner. Conversely, academic partners need an industry partner who is contributing either in cash or in-kind to the same value as the requested BIV in order for the application to be eligible.
Value
Vouchers can be requested up to the value of Ā£10,000, including VAT, but can be for smaller amounts ā as required by the objectives and type of the interaction.
Example activities for BIV
This is by no means an exhaustive or prescriptive list but example activities that would be likely to be supported when combined in a well-defined short term project are:
- Short term visits to learn how process/ equipment works
- Short term visit for training purposes ā either academic to industry or vice versa
- Short term data gathering and/ or analysis ā especially if it is being done to support a future proof of concept proposal
- Meeting or series of meeting to discuss areas of technical overlap/ collaboration/ establish specific challenge areas
- More specific technology transfer activities/ sharing of information and expertise to address specific technical challenges
- Any other type of technical consultancy
Funds will support a collaboration that can be any defined piece of work by an academic partner for an industrial partner. New collaborations will be prioritised, however, vouchers may be used to fund existing collaborations, particularly if, for example, it takes the collaboration into new directions.
Submission
For more information on eligibility and the application process, please contact Josie Goodall.
Click here to download the application form. Proposals should be submitted in word or PDF format by email: Ā josie.goodall@rc-harwell.ac.uk
Note on State Aid rules
Please be aware that funds will be counted as ‘de minimis’ State Aid and so those receiving funding will need to ensure they are not in breach of ‘de minimis’ State Aid rules through their participation. The following link might be helpful in this regard – www.gov.uk/state-aid.