Following the highly successful 2021 and 2022 R&D Solutions Fund, the University of Plymouth Research & Innovation Team are delighted to announce a new R&D Solutions Fund grant. Grants of up to £20,000 are available to solve business problems by encouraging strong academic and industrial collaborations.

The aim is to bring different people together to develop R&D opportunities, through funding initial research activities or providing specialist technical support to businesses and academics. 

The fund responds to the need to develop new products and services for existing and emerging markets nationally and internationally, where the research intensity of our university can accelerate that innovation process. The University of Plymouth is committed to supporting our business community to create a vibrant and dynamic economy and help industries overcome barriers to growth. 

Call 6 opens on 20th March 2023 and closes at 17:00 on 24th April 2023

We will be holding a virtual R&D Solutions Fund information session on Wednesday 29th March, from 12:00-13:00. Email enterprisesolutions@plymouth.ac.uk for the event link.

R&D Solutions Fund can support:

• Joint research and development projects between the University of Plymouth and business

• Access to University of Plymouth specialist technical support, facilities and equipment

• Initial research activities, feasibility studies or taking research to an implementation stage

• Commercially viable or early-stage R&D projects

• Academic or business partner's research time

Who can apply:

• University of Plymouth academics or businesses from any sector or geographic location

• Existing or new collaborations will be eligible

• Projects with potential for further collaboration

All proposals will be measured against the following criteria:

• Technology & Innovation (impact on business/society)

• Deliverability • Sustainability (of the relationship and activities beyond the initial project)

• Real World Research (responding to real-world problems)

• Value for Money

Full guidance will be sent on receipt of an expression of interest.

All applicants are to initially register their interest via Enterprise Solutions by contacting enterprisesolutions@plymouth.ac.uk or 0800 052 5600. 

All eligible enquiries will be issued an application form and invited to submit it within the designated timeframe.