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Plymouth University Funding Solutions

We can help your business explore a range of funding sources and opportunities to enable your organisation to grow and develop, whilst accessing high level research expertise from Plymouth University. Securing funding is not always easy. By working with Plymouth University we will aim to help your business access funding from a range of sources and our experts will help to identify the most appropriate opportunities.

Current funding solutions include:

  • CASE Awards - Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering are used to supplement the support of PhD students working on projects jointly devised and supervised by members of academic staff and an industrial partner
  • Innovation Vouchers - funding of  £3,000 - £10,000 from Universities South West for micro, start up and SMEs to encourage engagement with a knowledge supplier
  • Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) - Plymouth University has an outstanding record securing funding for and delivering KTPs across a broad range of business sectors. Part funded by Government, a KTP involves the formation of a Partnership between a business, an academic institution along with the appointment of a recently qualified graduate, who works jointly supervised within the business to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the embedding of new capabilities
  • FP7 - Europe's 7th Framework Programme supports business research and development with grant funding, the aim being to put European businesses, organisations and research bodies at the forefront of research internationally. Plymouth University is a partner in several FP7 projects across diverse sectors including marine, agriculture and aquaculture
  • Research for the Benefit of Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) - this European funding source supports SMEs by contracting research and development and project management to transform great ideas into reality. Ideas can be in nearly any sector or market with the only restrictions being that the work must be technically challenging, deliver a game changing solution for the business and require external skills and capacity in its delivery
  • The Plymouth University & Western Morning News Growth Fund (PWGF) - a grant investment fund, financed by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, through their Regional Growth Fund initiative. In partnership with the Western Morning News the University secured £3.9 million to invest in businesses to enable them to create new jobs or safeguard jobs at risk.

In addition there are a range of other funding opportunities available outside of the University. These include

  • Innovation Vouchers - there are currently a number of innovation voucher funding schemes running in the UK and the South West region, here is a breakdown of some of them;

    • Technology Strategy Board Innovation Vouchers - grants of up to £5000 for start-up or SMEs who are interested in accessing new knowledge to help them grow
    • Intellectual Property Office Fastforward competition - offering funding of £10,000 - £100,000 for UK businesses who want to develop innovative projects that will benefit UK society and help grow the economy
  • Knowledge Transfer Networks - a single overarching national network in a specific field of technology or business application which brings together people from businesses, universities, research, finance and technology organisations to stimulate innovation through knowledge transfer
  • SMART - (formerly known as Grant for Research and Development) Smart is available to single companies including pre start-ups, start-ups, and small and medium-sized businesses from all sectors across the UK. It provides three types of grant:
    • Proof of market grant
    • Proof of concept grant
    • Development of prototype grant
  • Small Businesses Research Initiative (SBRI) - businesses can take advantage of the SBRI programme which aims to use government procurement to drive innovation. It provides business opportunities for innovative companies whilst solving the needs of government departments
  • Start-Up Loans scheme - business loans for people aged 18 and 30 years old. The £110 million national programme aims to help 30,000 new businesses get off the ground. The fund is being administered in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Wiltshire by the South West Investment Group (SWIG)

There are also a range of organisations offering young entrepreneurs and small businesses the opportunity to compete for funding awards. Please click on the links below for further information including the deadlines for submitting your application.

  • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards - these awards seek to encourage entrepreneurial activity and recognise the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. The awards operate globally across 140 cities and 50 countries worldwide, celebrating those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses.
  • Future 100 Awards - these awards recognise the success of young entrepreneurs who demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and innovation in progressing a responsible business venture. The awards are intended to showcase the talents of those who are running a business with a 'triple bottom line'. Participating in the programme can bring a range of benefits to the individual and his or her business, including boosting personal confidence, raising their media profile and creating new partnerships
  • Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards - the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards offer students and graduates in England, Scotland and Wales the chance to win up to £50,000. The aim of the programme is to encourage a culture of young enterprise and support the needs of businesses in their critical early years. Through these awards Lloyds will be searching for the two businesses that it believes stand out 

As funding opportunities are subject to change please contact a member of the team for a comprehensive list of current funding opportunities.