Transport businesses from around the East Midlands are now able
to access £2.5million worth of funding and consultancy
support to drive forward innovation, through the Transport
iNet.
The fund, provided by East Midlands Development Agency (emda)
and a successful bid to the European Regional Development Fund
(ERDF), will enable the Transport iNet to deliver a range of
measures to help small and medium sized businesses to innovate.
These include finance for research and development collaborations
with universities, innovation support grants for specialist
consultancy, as well as a comprehensive timetable of events and
training to share knowledge across the five key sectors.
Transport iNet advisors will provide guidance to businesses and
individuals in the aerospace, rail, marine, automotive and
motorsport sectors to maximise opportunities for innovation. SME's
will be able to overcome barriers that come with developing novel
products or services, with the assistance of the Innovation Support
Grant. With up to £10,000 on offer, businesses can use this
to source external expertise which will help deliver their
innovative transport related projects.
The Higher Education Collaboration Fund supports research and
development projects and joint working between academia and
business. The grant strives to strengthen and improve the
regions HEI's reputation for transport research and
innovation.
Additional advice and support will be on offer at more than 40
informative events taking place throughout the region. These
activities will aim to highlight key issues that are currently
affecting the industry and provide an opportunity for networking
and identifying future opportunities.
Located at the Systems Engineering Innovation Centre (SEIC) at
Loughborough University, the Transport iNet is a business-led
organisation funded by emda and the ERDF. The iNet is actively
seeking applicants for support and funding. Free consultancy is
currently available from the Transport iNet advisors to promote
innovation among transport businesses to increase their long term
profitability and maintain their competitive advantage.
For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk or contact
Carol Wright on 01509 635270.