Funded industrial research for SMEs

We are offering research support packages to small or medium-sized business in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, through the Productivity through Innovation programme.

Do you have a research idea that could help increase your turnover, profitability, efficiency and/or create jobs? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Innovate and move forward

This is a great opportunity for your company to benefit from funded support for a 12-month research and development project. The project could be a feasibility study or could focus on the development of new products, services, or systems.

We welcome research ideas from all businesses, but particularly those focused on science and technology or biomedical sciences.

How it works

We can help you scope the project, apply for funding, and recruit a postgraduate student researcher, who would be working towards an MPhil qualification (the first year of a PhD). This research student would then work closely with your business to tackle your specific issue, with support from an experienced academic supervisor from our University.

Your business will need to make a monthly contribution to pay for the cost of the MPhil student. In return, you will benefit from academic expertise and support, as well as an allowance for any consumables associated with the project.

This is made possible by the European Regional Development Fund, which supports the Productivity through Innovation programme.

 Are you eligible?Apply now

Are you eligible?

To qualify for this scheme, you must be a local small or medium-sized enterprise or charity. This means:

Find out more

To find out more or apply for this scheme, please contact Sophie Beer, ERDF Project Manager on s.beer@derby.ac.uk.