Innovation Voucher Scheme

The Brunel Innovation Voucher Scheme is specifically designed to promote collaborative innovation between Brunel and UK SMEs by offering vouchers to be used toward the costs of collaborative projects, including access to the University’s facilities and researchers. The vouchers will be allocated to projects that develop new products, processes or services that will help the eligible organisation innovate, develop and grow.

The value of an Innovation Voucher is between £1,000 and £5,000, which covers specific university academic project costs. The company / organisation contributes an equal value in cash or in kind (such as staff time, materials or equipment) or a combination of both.

Essential criteria

To apply for the Innovation Voucher Scheme, your organisation must meet all of the following:

  • Employ a minimum of five staff
  • Have been trading/operating for a minimum of three years
  • Be able to provide three years of operating financial accounts
  • Have a minimum annual turnover of £300,000
  • Have the financial capacity to fund the costs required to pursue follow-on funding (for example via Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, or other external sources), as this voucher is intended to support the development of external collaboration

If your organisation doesn’t meet all of the above criteria, unfortunately we won’t be able to consider your application for the Innovation Voucher Scheme.

Benefits 

  • Funding for university support for eligible organisations to develop new products or processes in collaboration with Brunel
  • Establish new contacts with Brunel researchers, many of whom have strong links in the UK and overseas
  • Access to the latest specialist research facilities
  • Being based in London and close to Heathrow

Additional eligibility criteria

The application process is straightforward. The following criteria apply:

  • Be defined as a small and medium-size enterprise (SME). For example, have less than 250 employees and have less than £50 million turnover, or you’re a social enterprise or third sector organisation
  • Shouldn’t be a very early stage start up
  • Can demonstrate a track record of research and innovation engagement
  • Can contribute in some way to the project
  • Have an idea that will help you to innovate and grow
  • Funding cannot be for basic research. Projects should be for funding at TRL 3 level or above
  • Need specialist help to complete a challenge you are facing
  • Be located in the UK 
  • Demonstrate the desire to build an ongoing relationship with Brunel and must have the capability and resources to access innovation funding through Innovate UK or Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The choice of project rests with the eligible organisation's owner or affiliate. Drawing on academic expertise across disciplines - including engineering, digital media and business - we’re well placed to support most project types.

To discuss the scheme to see if your project fits please get in touch.