The search is on for Scotland’s top business-academic partnerships and individuals making a significant impact on economic, environmental and social prosperity through collaborative research and development.

Now in its ninth year, the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards is the flagship event celebrating the partnerships between business, third sector and public sector organisations and academia (universities, colleges and research institutes).

Interface, which connects businesses and academia, organises the awards. Director, Amelia Whitelaw, said: “There is a tremendous amount of ground-breaking research happening in Scotland between our innovative businesses and academic communities. They are pushing boundaries and making breakthroughs which are bringing huge benefits.

“We are excited to be shining a light on the people and partnerships behind these exciting developments, who are often working in the background. We hope that these awards inspire new projects, innovation and creativity.”

The seven award categories now open for entries are:

– Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Limited
– Innovator of the Future
– Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by PraxisAuril
– Knowledge Exchange Heroes
– Making a Social Difference – sponsored by Community Enterprise in Scotland (CEIS)
– Making an Environmental Difference – sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland
– Multiparty Collaboration

The judging panels, drawn from across the innovation ecosystem, will be looking at how the applications demonstrate collaboration, innovation, impacts achieved, and their legacies, as well as the potential to transform economic, social and environmental challenges.

The deadline for applications is 5pm, Wednesday 6th December 2023. The awards will be hosted by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, on Thursday 14th March, 2024.

Click here for entry toolkit and application forms.