Businesses and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with ambitious ideas are being encouraged to attend an event focusing on a new Scottish Funding Council (SFC) knowledge exchange competition which has £12 million funding available over three years.

The Highlands and Islands has an enterprising and diverse capacity for the development of enabling technologies, which is one area of focus in SFC's call for proposals. The event will focus on some of the region's enabling technologies priorities: digital connectivity, assisted living, low carbon, and energy.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is hosting the event at the organisation’s Cowan House building in Inverness to raise awareness of the exciting competition which takes place on Wednesday August 11 at 11am to 1pm and open until September 17. It is aimed at businesses wishing to establish strong links with Scotland's leading universities and higher education institutions and have the potential to collaborate on joint projects.

Theresa Swayne, Senior Development Manager at HIE, said: "This exciting new competition is designed to enable businesses to work collaboratively with Scottish universities. Local businesses are invited to come along to the awareness session in Inverness to find out more about the Scottish Funding Council Knowledge Exchange initiative. The event is a great opportunity for local businesses to make links and form potential new partnerships with leading Scottish universities to exchange knowledge and jointly apply for funding."

Laurence Howells, SFC's Senior Director of Skills, Research and Knowledge Exchange added: "Our universities contain a wealth of knowledge and expertise which could help businesses innovate and grow. Once a connection is made between universities and businesses new ideas start to circulate and benefits are generated on both sides of the partnership."

Businesses who join up with an academic institution can make a collaborative bid to access funds from the pot of money over three years. Both HIE and Scottish Enterprise are playing a key role in helping to promote and provide information about the competition.

This event is one of two held in Scotland to raise awareness of the competition and focus on the enabling technologies priorities of HIE and Scottish Enterprise.

For further information or to register for the event held in Inverness, please contact Theresa Swayne on 01463 244583 or theresa.swayne@hient.co.uk