AberInnovation launches research and development voucher call for industry
AberInnovation has launched a new programme of support for industry, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council (BBSRC).
The Solutions Catalyst programme, a voucher competition aiming to drive innovation and connect industry to the wider UKRI Campus network, will offer a package of support including access to facilities at the £40.5m AberInnovation Campus development, cutting-edge equipment and technical support and Aberystwyth University consultancy expertise.
UK companies of all sizes from the food & drink, biotechnology, circular economy and agri-tech sectors can apply with a proposed research and development (R&D) project to secure a voucher worth up to £30,000.
AberInnovation houses a Future Food Centre, Advanced Analysis Centre and Biorefining Centre; offering seamless end-to-end innovation facilities evaluating food and biomass materials through processing, packaging, testing, analysing and storage, under one roof.
Rhian Hayward MBE, CEO of AberInnovation said “The Solutions Catalyst is an opportunity for innovative companies to de-risk their R&D. With UKRI support we can open up our new facilities to those ambitious companies that wish to trial exciting new concepts at the cutting edge of food security and climate change action. I am pleased that we can offer access to academic expertise in parallel and look forward to seeing the projects that come forward.”
Successful companies will be those who can demonstrate the need for research and development in the marketplace and a viable route to creating new business opportunities.
Organisations will be supported by the programme to access relevant and hard-to-come-by resources with R&D projects commencing in December 2022 and ending in March 2023.
AberInnovation is one of five national Research and Innovation Campuses, centred around seven institutes that receive strategic funding from BBSRC. Each Campus has a different bioscience focus area, unique flagship facilities and a diverse range of support.
Wales is currently at the forefront of bioscience innovation in Britain. With links to world-class expertise and research at Aberystwyth University and BBSRC, and a growing community of innovators, AberInnovation presents a fitting environment for industry and academic collaboration to thrive.
Adam Bowen, Head of Translation and Innovation Capability at BBSRC stated “UKRI-BBSRC is pleased to be able to support the Solutions Catalyst through its Campus Impact Acceleration Accounts, which will drive connectivity across the AberInnovation, Innovation & Enterprise Campus. This programme will enable innovative companies to access the world-leading research, capability and infrastructure at AberInnovation and at Aberystwyth University, including the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences. I am looking forward to seeing what innovative projects are supported through this programme.”
