Interface

About Interface

Interface – The knowledge connection for business – acts as a central point of access to help companies utilise the world-class technology, skills and research available within all of Scotland’s universities and research institutes.

With established links to thousands of world-class leading experts, Interface finds and introduces companies to the perfect academic partner. Whether it is research and technology capabilities, consultancy, industrial placements or access to equipment and facilities, Interface is equipped to source the required expertise to help companies solve business challenges and bridge the gap that often exists between business and the academic world.

When a company seeks potential collaborators to solve a problem or support its business development activities, Interface carefully establishes the exact specifications of the enquiry. The team then identifies potential academic partners and helps to match the appropriate university expertise to support the company in moving their business forward.

Many companies don’t know that innovative solutions to help their business grow can be developed with academic assistance – the Interface service is free to companies and organisations to help make the right connections for businesses!

Innovation Voucher Scheme

The Innovation Voucher Scheme gives Scottish small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) access to between £500 - £5,000 to help offset the costs of a collaborative project with any Higher Education Institute (HEI) in Scotland.

All SMEs registered in Scotland (i.e. those with a registration commencing SC) who have not jointly received funding from any source previously for the proposed project are eligible to partner with a HEI under the scheme. The company contribution is expected to match the grant contribution in kind and may be costed through staff time and access to facilities as well as cash.

Founded by the Scottish Funding Council, Innovation Vouchers aim to build relationships between SMEs and Scotland’s universities and research institutes. The proposed collaborative project should lead to new products and processes that will benefit the business, the institution and the Scottish economy.

Further Information

For more information on Interface and Innovation Vouchers, visit www.interface-online.org.uk or contact the team on 0131 651 4791.