Innovation is the successful exploitation of new ideas. This does not necessarily have to be a technological advance, it could be as simple as a new way of doing things or a new way to create customer satisfaction.
What help is available?
If you are an individual or business we can provide technical support, advice and in some cases financial assistance for new product and process development.
What kind of advice?
Qualified innovation and technology counsellors are available to provide you with initial, impartial, independent and tailored advice. In many cases the counsellor will provide you with ongoing support for your project.
What financial assistance is available?
If your project can demonstrate a degree of technical risk you may be eligible for a grant of up to 40% (up to a maximum of £40,000).
Assistance is given to help you with:
- Research and development - e.g. research, visiting exhibitions, personnel costs, equipment used for the research activity and operating expenses engaged on the project.
- Getting expert advice and information - e.g. consultancy fees and intellectual property rights attributable to the research activity.
- Accessing proven technology and skills - e.g. through universities and colleges
- Accessing patent, copyright, intellectual property right (IPR) and trademark support and commercialisation advice - e.g. patent costs and licensing new technology.
- Product and process prototyping - e.g. tooling costs and personnel costs.
- Product and process testing / implementation - e.g. fees for trial and testing, training.
- Product launch / marketing - e.g. exhibitions, brochure, leaflet, personnel costs, advertising, direct mail, packaging.
Financial assistance is not available through Innovation Support for routine changes made to products, production lines, manufacturing processes, existing services and other operations in progress, even if such changes may represent improvements. However see section 3 for assistance in these areas.
What do I do now?
Contact us with details of your enquiry. |
