Two alternative protein ventures and an educational digital children’s game about business are among the research and development projects awarded funding through the Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund (IICF).
The fund was set up by Interface and Scottish Government to attract companies from outwith Scotland to collaborate with Scottish academic institutions to create research, development and manufacturing opportunities.
The IICF has awarded just under £60,000 to six projects involving universities and a college.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland remains the UK’s top location for inward investment outside of London and our world-class universities and academia have a vital role to play in helping attract potential inward investors to Scotland.
“The latest round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund has attracted an array of innovative projects, aligned with the Inward Investment Plan.
“The funding, backed by the Scottish Government, is an important tool in driving close collaborations and early development to kick-start new growth – I strongly encourage all interested businesses with innovative projects to apply for the next round of funding.”
Howell Davies, Interface’s head of strategic programmes and funding, said: “The catalyst funding is a valuable way to kickstart relationships and develop R&D activity in Scotland, with the intention of leading to longer term impacts and economic growth in priority areas, such as decarbonisation of transport, software and IT, and food and drink innovation.”
The projects were each awarded up to £10,000. They are:
- AlgiSys UK and the University of Stirling’s project aims to determine the viability of a fermented algae-derived feed ingredient as a source of omega-3s and marine plant protein in aquaculture.
- The University of Edinburgh has teamed up with Aquallite Data to develop seafloor data integration software to enable the production of data models of the ocean floor to help de-risk offshore wind development and accelerate progress to a more sustainable future.
- Fermentation Technologies and Abertay University have developed a lab-based system for the production of a nutritious protein ingredient by up-cycling spent grains from breweries and distilleries. The product has been tested with several large food companies and is preparing for pilot-scale production.
- Gruppo Sismica is working with the University of Strathclyde on a project to pave the way for the use of HiStrA Bridges, software for the assessment of masonry arch bridges in Scotland and the rest of UK.
- Edinburgh College and Vaste Technologies are collaborating to develop a digital platform that connects biomass suppliers directly with bioenergy producers, streamlining market access and improving transaction efficiency.
- ZIYX and the University of the West of Scotland will develop an early-stage proof of concept for educational games to teach young people about starting a business.
The next round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund is now open inviting companies outwith Scotland to collaborate with Scottish universities, colleges, research institutes and innovation centres.
The deadline for application is 15 November.
