This call is now closed.

The Environmental Biotechnology Network (EBNet) – a BBSRC/EPSRC NIBB, and IBioIC are delighted to invite proposals in application for a Business Interaction Voucher (BIV).

Call opens: 18 October 2021

Call closed: 19 November 2021

What is a BIV?

EBNet BIVs are a BBSRC/EPSRC-funded initiative aimed at connecting industry and academic partners. Essentially, the voucher enables industry partners to ‘buy’ an academic’s time and expertise to look at a clearly defined and specific industry problem. Meetings and consortium building can form part of a BIV, but should not be the sole purpose.

Priority will be given to proposals that foster industry/academic links by supporting the implementation of new technology through troubleshooting and problem-solving research. It is hoped that projects will unlock the potential of academia to provide novel expertise, solutions and resources which would otherwise be unavailable to the industry partner. We are particularly looking for progression through TRL levels 1-4 and projects with the potential for further development and impact will be prioritised.

BIV projects may range from £5K to a maximum of £20K with individual calls specifying the maximum project value. The BIV is paid to the academic at 80% FEC. Matched funding (to the 80% FEC EBNet contribution) is required from industry, with a minimum of 50% in cash and the remainder can be in kind. Thus, at the maximum value, a £20K BIV would require a minimum of £16K in matched industry funding, of which a minimum of £8K must be in cash. All contributions must be auditable.

Aims and Objectives of the BIVs

The BIV vouchers are intended to help resource confidence-building measures between an academic partner and an industry partner that are likely to lead to outcomes of:

• a longer-term relationship

• improved interaction

• new research technology transfer projects

BIVs are intended to support the Industry partner to access academic expertise and resources to examine a specific industry issue. The grants should fund new collaborations as a priority, but can be used to fund continued collaborations.

Eligibility

All participants named on the application must be members of EBNet and based in the UK. To be eligible for IBioIC funding, HEIs must be in Scotland and industry partners must demonstrate a benefit to Scotland. IBioIC funding winners must also become members of IBioIC.

The funds are awarded to the academic partner who must be a lecturer eligible to receive BBRSC funding.

Eligibility guidelines can be found at www.bbsrc.ac.uk/web/FILES/Guidelines/grants-guide.pdf. The industry partner must be UK-based. All sizes of business are considered, from micro- SME to large companies.