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Yorkshire businesses encouraged to work with University of York

Yorkshire businesses encouraged to work with University of York

Posted on 28 October 2014

Small and medium-sized businesses across Yorkshire and the Humber have the opportunity to work with the University of York through the funding initiative Small Innovation Projects (SIPs).

Run by the Yorkshire Innovation Fund, SIPs provide funding of up to £6,500 to work with the University on the technical feasibility of a new product or idea. This can include industrial research, providing new knowledge for developing and improving products, and experimental development.

As a result of funding, new innovations must develop a standard business model, methodology or concept that can be systematically reproduced, and possibly certified or patented. It is hoped that University support can produce new or substantially improved products that may otherwise entail a clear degree of risk.

Running since September 2013, companies that have worked with the University include Advanced Extraction Technology Ltd, Mood International Software Ltd and Appeartome Ltd.

Dr Gary Wheatley, Scientific Director for Advanced Extraction Technology Ltd said “Working with the University of York’s Biology Department allows us to access the world class expertise we need to take our research and development projects forward.”

Dr Rukmal Abeysekera, Knowledge Transfer Manager at the University of York, said: "SIPs are a great opportunity for small companies from Yorkshire and the Humber to benefit from the wealth of expertise from the University of York. They open up innovation opportunities for companies to develop new products, processes and markets and encourage business growth across the whole region.”

To be considered for a SIP, business projects must be a new company development that can be completed within three months. The deadline for application is December 2014, and all projects must be completed by June 2015.

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