Innovate UK
UK businesses looking to create international business networks can apply for funding of up to 21,000. This funding is to enable commercial research and innovation partnerships. It will also help businesses explore ideas for future collaboration.
Innovate UK is funding this competition. It is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The funding will enable SMEs to carry out short feasibility studies and spend time abroad. The competition will encourage UK firms to create long term partnerships with overseas companies. It will also help them gain a better understanding of collaborative opportunities.
This new fund comes the day after the Prime Minister held a round table of SMEs and trade associations. The aim of the round table was to discuss how the government can help them seize new opportunities, particularly exports. The Prime Minister has identified SMEs as the backbone of the British economy, helping to build a more productive and balanced economy.
Competition information
- The competition opens on 5 August 2016
- The deadline for registration is noon on 21 September 2016
- The deadline for application is noon on 28 September 2016
- A UK SME must lead the project
- You can carry out the project on your own or work with other UK partners
- Only UK SMEs will receive funding
- We will fund projects with eligible costs of up to 30,000
- Businesses may receive funding of up to 70% of their total project costs
- Projects should last up to 4 months