Interface funding
Interface funding offers a valuable route for businesses looking to collaborate with researchers at Heriot-Watt. Whether you’re developing a new product, improving a process, or exploring new markets, Interface can help unlock academic expertise and access funding to make your innovation happen.
Through Interface, eligible businesses can apply for support that matches their needs with the right research team at Heriot-Watt. The scheme is particularly well suited to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for practical solutions and fresh thinking to drive growth.
Funding is typically available through a range of innovation vouchers that help cover the cost of working with academic partners on short-term, well-defined projects. These include:
- Standard Innovation Vouchers – Up to £5,000 to support first-time collaborations between a business and an academic institution.
- Student Placement Innovation Vouchers – Funding for student-led projects that apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.
- Advanced Innovation Vouchers – For businesses looking to build on a successful initial collaboration, offering matched funding to deepen the partnership.
Heriot-Watt has a strong track record of supporting businesses through Interface. Our researchers bring deep domain expertise, a practical mindset, and a commitment to real-world impact. From renewable energy startups to sustainable materials developers, we’ve helped hundreds of companies take ideas to the next stage.
If you have a business challenge and think academic input could make a difference, Interface funding is a straightforward, low-barrier way to get started.
Get in touch
Our team can guide you through the process of applying for Interface support and help match your business with the right people at Heriot-Watt.