BU Research Blog

£750,000 competition launched for innovative university-industry projects

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) launched its annual Fast Forward competition on 22 October 2012, to encourage universities and public sector research establishments to collaborate with businesses and local communities on innovative projects that benefit UK society and can help grow the economy.

Now in its third year, Fast Forward has so far provided £1.25 million in prizes to 23 winning projects in diverse areas, ranging from the creative industries to medical research and social enterprises.

The total prize fund available for this year’s competition is £750,000, which will be awarded to around a dozen projects in individual awards of between £10,000 and £100,000.  More details can be found here: 2013 Fast Forward Competition

The IPO‘s Chief Executive, Sean Dennehey said:

“UK universities lead the world as seats of learning, but they are also hubs of innovation, creating and harnessing intellectual property to fuel market competitiveness and economic growth.

“Fast Forward recognises and rewards projects that demonstrate innovative approaches to university-industry collaborations, providing funding that can help create new companies and services which benefit the UK economy and society.”

 The RKE Operations team can help you with your application. Please direct any enquiries to RKE Ops in the first instance.  Details of how to enter can be found here.  The closing date for entries (electronic and paper) is 17:00 on Friday 14 December 2012.