A new investment scheme allowing businesses in the north of England to transform their raw research ideas into real products or services has been launched by the Technology Directorate.
The scheme is offering SMEs with a novel research idea in their business plan up to £10,000 worth of access to world-class technology and research facilities for anything between six months and a year.
If the preliminary research is deemed to have a positive impact or solution, the business then has an opportunity to apply for further external funding to continue their work, having avoided the initial set-up costs typically associated with research and development.
The ‘pump-priming’ investment scheme is the subject of a free event being hosted by Knowledge Quarter Liverpool on Wednesday 23 May.
Dr Duncan Robertson, head of the Technology Directorate, said: “In an increasingly competitive world, the SMEs that grow and prosper are the ones that succeed in generating high impact work that truly stands out, but to do this invariably requires them to invest capital in expensive tools and technology.
“Our shared research facilities have been supporting the work of our staff for many years and we’d now like businesses in the north of England to realise their benefits too.
“This scheme is designed to fund small pump-priming projects that have the potential to develop new areas of research and collaboration, giving SMEs £10,000 worth of access to the very best instruments and expertise to hopefully realise their business development goals.
“This is a unique – and free – opportunity to have equipment such as MRI scanners or confocal microscopes at their fingertips, as well as advice and support from world-class scientists and specialists in their fields.”
Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, said: “As Liverpool rapidly develops its reputation as a major hub for science, innovation and education, this is a great moment for the city’s academics to join forces with regional businesses to commercialise their ideas and deliver tangible products and services that further boost the regional economy.
“I would encourage any SMEs with a core research idea to come along to our event later this month to find out more about the scheme and speak to a member of the Technology Directorate team.”
‘The Technology Directorate – One of Liverpool’s best kept secrets’ takes place on Wednesday, 23 May from 5pm – 6.30pm at Liverpool Science Park. For further information please http://www.kqliverpool.co.uk/event/technology-directorate/
For further information about the investment scheme please visit https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/technology-directorate/business/sme_voucher/