Heriot-Watt has received £1.18m funding allocated to the University to help to build on the University's already strong links with business and industry.
The Heriot-Watt Impact Acceleration Account has a number of strands where funds can be won competitively. These are:
• Mobility and secondments – we will support secondment to and from industry and mobility between academic laboratories. The grants will be allocated on a competitive basis. We expect successful proposals to clearly state the potential impact of the secondment.
• Proof of Concept & Demonstrators – we will support early stage road-mapping and initial IP and Market research as well as the construction of demonstrators. It is expected that projects will be relatively early stage and lead to applications for further development funds such as Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept, intellectual property that could lead to licenses, spin-out company formation or joint development programmes with industry. The grants will be allocated on a competitive basis.
• Enterprise Engagement – this is a 'seed' fund that aims to stimulate relationships with external organisations leading to longer term strategic relationships. Creativity will be encouraged to bridge between disciplines to develop radically new concepts and ideas. It is hoped that projects will lead to bids to other funding schemes such as KTP, TSB, EU etc.
• Public Engagement and Events – this is a fund designed to support the organisation, attendance or participation in events where the Heriot-Watt contribution is likely to be impactful or lead to impact, i.e. participation in high profile public engagement events such as the Edinburgh International Science Festival or taking a stand and giving a presentation at an event such as All-Energy. Funding will be allocated on a competitive basis.
The first round of calls for the funding described above is now open. The closing date for applications is Friday 21 December. Further calls will be made throughout the duration of the IAA (dates to be determined).
For further information and for application forms please speak to your local Business Development Executive or contact the IAA Project Manager & Business Development Manager, Dr Ian Brotherston (email i.d.brotherston@hw.ac.uk or phone +44 (0) 131 451 3751).