Research grants announced in East Midlands

Collaborative projects in technology transfer and new technologies in the East Midlands have been given access to a series of grants from the regional development agency.

By understanding how they can benefit from cutting-edge technologies, businesses will be able to gain a competitive advantage

David Wallace

Director of Innovation

East Midlands Development Agency

East Midlands Development Agency has made the Demonstration Grants available to higher education institutes, research and transfer organisations and small and medium-sized businesses, with projects focussing on materials, design engineering, energy and waste.

Ranging in size from £100,000 and £500,000, the grants are intended to fund the products of research to be improved and adapted for commercial use.

David Wallace, the agency's Director of Innovation, commented: "By understanding how they can benefit from cutting-edge technologies, businesses will be able to gain a competitive advantage, helping them to develop and grow and create new, high-quality jobs.

The Demonstration Grants are being offered to raise the region's profile on the international stage, boost the level of research and development activity and encourage links between industry and academia.

Last month, East Midlands Development Agency held an event called Supporting Business Innovation to provide local firms with information on the support which is available to them to improve their activities.