Funding for the Advanced Innovation Voucher
Interface
What it funds
The Advanced Innovation Voucher award builds relationships between small and medium sized companies (SMEs) and universities or colleges in Scotland. This programme bridges the gap between business and academia, making it easier for collaboration on a project. The value of an Advanced Innovation Voucher is up to £20,000 of grant funding. The company match is a mix of in-kind and cash contributions. Interface welcomes applications from all industry sectors and the proposed collaborative project sh
Who can apply
All organisations (SME, social enterprises and third sector) with fewer than 250 employees and turnover of less than £50 million may apply. Your organisation must have a desire to collaborate with a Scottish university or college to work on a project and build a sustained relationship.
Key criteria
- All organisations (SME, social enterprises and third sector) with fewer than 250 employees and turnover of less than £50 million may apply.
- All organisations (SME, social enterprises and third sector) with fewer than 250 employees and turnover of less than £50 million may apply.
Last checked against the official source: 3 Jul 2026. Scheme parameters are set by the funder and can change — verify before applying, or let us do it for you.
Related schemes
Patent Box
HM Revenue & Customs
Reduces corporation tax to an effective 10% on profits attributable to patented inventions and certain other IP rights.
R&D Tax Relief (Merged Scheme & ERIS)
HM Revenue & Customs
Corporation tax relief on qualifying R&D expenditure. Merged scheme gives a 20% above-the-line credit (~15-16% net); loss-making R&D-intensive SMEs can claim enhanced support (ERIS) worth up to ~27p per £1 of qualifying spend.
Invest NI Grant for R&D
Invest Northern Ireland
Supports Northern Ireland businesses at every R&D stage, from feasibility to development — typical intervention 40-50% for SMEs.