Funded opportunities for businesses
There are a wide range of funding opportunities available to facilitate collaboration.
You might require financial help to get your project off the ground. A large number of our collaborative research projects are facilitated through funding streams.
Accelerate, the Welsh Health Innovation Technology Accelerator, is a programme led by the Life Sciences Hub Wales in collaboration with Cardiff University, Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. It aims to support and accelerate the translation of ideas from the healthcare system into new technology, products and services.
A £24m programme, it is co-funded by the Welsh European Funding Office European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Government’s Health and Social Services Group.
The key EU Research and Innovation programme for research and innovation has nearly €90.5 billion of funding available until 2027. Horizon Europe tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.
Innovate UK aims to accelerate UK economic growth by stimulating and supporting business-led innovation through a variety of funding opportunities, Innovation Vouchers and themed competitions.
KESS II is a part funded initiative that supports collaborative research projects between the University and businesses. Offering Doctoral, MPhil and Research Masters awards to partners based in the West Wales and the Valleys (WWV) areas of Wales.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership facilitates the transfer of academic knowledge and expertise to real life business strategic projects. Part funded by Government, the scheme is a unique opportunity for academic and business collaboration.
You may be eligible for financial incentives in the form of tax credits to help you access research and development (R&D) services from Cardiff University.
To qualify for R&D tax credits your business must meet certain criteria. If you can answer YES to all the questions below it may be worth seeking further advice from your accountant.
- Are you undertaking a project that seeks to achieve an advance in science or technology through the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainties?
- Can you define clearly the advance you are seeking?
- Can you state why the uncertainties were not able to be resolved by a competent professional?
- Does your project have identifiable start and end dates?
- Does your R&D relate to the current trade or one you intend to start up based on your R&D?
To be entitled to R&D tax credits the work must advance science or technology and the company must be liable to corporation tax.
There are numerous research and development relief schemes. There is more information on the HMRC website. HMRC Research and Development (R&D) tax credits are the largest single source of Government support for business research and development.
Led by Welsh Government, this suite of integrated SMART programmes provide a wide range of support to Welsh businesses and research organisations.
SMARTExpertise fund collaborative R&D projects involving one (or more) Welsh research organisation, and more than one industrial partner, with the aim to grow a demand driven Research, Development and Innovation environment.
SMARTCymru offer financial support and advice to SMEs and start up businesses, at all phases of a research and development project, from initial feasibility to market exploitation.
SMART Partnerships fund innovative collaboration projects that require a range of expertise to help businesses grow, improve productivity and increase competitiveness.
SMARTInnovation provide advice and specialist support to businesses taking their first steps into innovation and R&D.
The Business Engagement and Partnerships Team can advise on the appropriate funding available to you.