University of Kent launches recovery innovation fund for businesses

The University of Kent’s Knowledge Exchange and Innovation (KEI) department has launched its  Recovery Innovation Fund which aims to support businesses to innovate and grow following the Covid-19 pandemic by facilitating knowledge exchange via academic collaborations.

The Recovery Innovation Fund proposes to support small or medium-sized businesses with grants of up to £7,500 (The fund can provide 50% of the total value of the project, ex VAT, with companies funding the remaining).  The fund seeks to facilitate opportunities to engage with the University’s expertise and build a long-term partnership. Businesses will be partnered with academic experts to receive tailored advice and support.

KEI will be able to support businesses with:

• Exploring ways to inspire business evolution
• Allowing employees to improve and grow
• Discovering or cultivating new products
• Cultivating business efficiency
• Solving problems
• Engaging with viability studies
• Exploring new business initiatives

Carole Barron, Director of Knowledge Exchange and Innovation, said: ‘The University is committed to helping businesses innovate and grow, and there has never been a more important time to support our business community.  Our Recovery Innovation Fund is an opportunity for businesses to gain access to the wealth of expertise, high quality research, and knowledge that resides within the university.’

To apply for the Recovery Innovation Fund, businesses are encouraged to contact KEI to book an appointment with a Business and Industry Officer. KEI will support with the application process and act as a business and innovation gateway into the university. As an open-entry process, applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

The deadline for submission is at 23:59 on Sunday 2 May 2021, with projects to be completed by Wednesday 30 June 2021.All outputs are to be completed by Saturday 31 July 2021.

Contact the KEI team at Businessrelationships@kent.ac.uk to book an appointment to find out more.

Full Terms and Conditions can be found on KEI’s Covid-19 Support page along with an application form.