Our Innovation Vouchers offer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) the opportunity to access the wealth of academic expertise, cutting-edge research, and advanced specialist equipment at Health Sciences University. These vouchers are designed to enhance your business’s innovation capacity, providing solutions to complex challenges while fostering long-term partnerships with our university.
This scheme is an ideal gateway for SMEs to collaborate with Health Sciences University, facilitating meaningful partnerships and identifying new opportunities for ongoing innovation and growth.
Projects
Each project supported by an innovation voucher is intended to address a specific challenge within your business—one that requires expert knowledge or specialist facilities to resolve. The project must be delivered in collaboration with Health Sciences University.
Our team will work closely with you to understand your business needs, introducing you to relevant academic and clinical experts who will help design an innovative project tailored to your objectives. Together, we will define the project’s scope, outline clear deliverables, and establish measurable outcomes.
Innovation vouchers can be applied to a wide range of projects, including but not limited to:
Addressing complex challenges unique to SMEs
Scoping or developing innovative products, processes, or services
Advancing workforce skills and capabilities
Conducting proof-of-concept or feasibility studies to reduce investment risks
Exploring new business models or ideas
Identifying novel pathways for business growth.
Examples of eligible activities include:
Access to specialist equipment, technology, and facilities
Tailored Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teams
Collaboration with research and scientific experts
Gaining insights into cutting-edge technologies, materials, and treatments
Market research support
Testing and diagnostic services.
Each voucher fully covers the costs of the services provided by Health Sciences University, valued between £1,000 and £5,000. Please note that no direct payment will be made to SMEs. Businesses are expected to cover any additional costs related to the project.
Areas of academic expertise
Our innovation vouchers scheme spans a broad spectrum of health sciences disciplines, including:
Chiropractic
Osteopathy
Dietetics
Medical imaging and radiography
Occupational therapy
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Psychology
Rehabilitation
Speech and language
Sport rehabilitation
Sport, exercise and health science
Workforce systems and innovation
Specialist facilities
As part of the scheme, SMEs can access our state-of-the-art facilities and services, including:
Clinical imaging:
Open upright MRI
Ultrasound
X-ray
Specialist clinical services:
Sports injury
VO2 Max testing
Shockwave therapy
Massage therapy
Newborn feeding
Paediatrics
Rehabilitation services:
State-of-the-art integrated rehabilitation centre
Neurological physiotherapy
Antigravity treadmill
MOTOmed (Motor-Assisted Movement Therapy)
Other:
Assisted Daily Living Suite
Simulation equipment and facilities
Centre for Workforce & Systems Innovation
Take the Next Step in Innovation
By participating in our Innovation Vouchers scheme, your business can tap into the extensive resources and expertise of Health Sciences University to drive growth, innovation, and long-term success. Let’s work together to tackle your business challenges and unlock new opportunities for innovation.
Application process
To explore how our Innovation Vouchers can support your business, please contact us by email for an initial consultation (research@aecc.ac.uk). We’ll discuss your business needs and potential collaboration opportunities, guiding you through the application process.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, 29 November 2024, and will be reviewed by our Innovation Vouchers Panel. Please note that the number of vouchers is limited, and preference will be given to first-time collaborations with Health Sciences University. All projects must be completed by 31 July 2025.
We particularly encourage applications from established SMEs seeking to engage with our academic and clinical experts for the first time. As part of the application, you will need to demonstrate a commitment to building a long-term partnership with Health Sciences University.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Innovation Vouchers scheme, your organisation must meet the following criteria:
Be an established, UK-based small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than £50 million.
Demonstrate a track record of innovation and growth, with plans to scale and develop further.
Present a clear business challenge that requires specialist expertise or facilities to solve.
Be willing to contribute to the project, either through direct funding or in-kind contributions, such as staff time.
Please note, each SME is eligible for only one voucher under this scheme.
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