University link-ups get funds boost

The Yorkshire Innovation Fund (YIF) is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and has been established to help SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) across Yorkshire and the Humber grow their business through research, development and innovation.

The project, which is being led by the University of Bradford, aims to help business people with great ideas.

To access the fund, SMEs and universities must collaborate to develop an application that is based on a business need.

Applications for funding are competitive, and successful projects will win funding to secure the time and skills of the partnering university.

Dr Suzanne Emmett, the director of the Yorkshire Innovation Fund at the University of Bradford, said: “By giving SMEs access to the skills and facilities in the region’s universities, new products can come to market more quickly, ideas can become reality and opportunities for employment can be realised.

“We’re looking to help companies realise their ideas and grow their business.

“Collaborating with universities has long been an excellent way to tap into the skills and resources firms need to innovate.

“The Yorkshire Innovation Fund builds upon this and provides a route to accessing much-needed funding to make things happen.”

For further information visit www.yorkshireinnovationfund.org or contact Catherine Singleton on 01274 236673 or email [email protected].