Funding Support for Companies

Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. Innovate UK focuses on thematic areas that are most likely to generate UK economic growth and which address global challenges and opportunities – and on competencies and technologies which enable innovation in these areas.

Collaborative research and development (R&D) projects are designed to assist the industrial and research communities to work together on R&D projects in the strategically important areas of science, engineering and technology. Outputs from these projects include new products, processes and services. 

Calls are announced by Innovate UK on a regular basis. If you have an idea or a challenge that meets the criteria for funding and where you think partnering with the the University can help, come and talk to us:

Contact Us

Explore funding opportunities on Innovate UK's website

Innovation is the lifeblood of any business. But how do you access the kind of expertise to make it happen? Knowledge Transfer Partnerships could be the answer. They create a dynamic three-way collaboration between:

• A business or not for profit organisation
• The University
• A suitably qualified graduate.

Working together this partnership powers strategic innovation projects, embeds expertise and drives commercial growth. The partnership is mutually beneficial, designed to result in lasting and transformative performance enhancements for the business; enriched applications of knowledge and research for the University; and an employment opportunity in a highly fulfilling role for the graduate.

Find out more

The European and International Research Support team is part of Research Support Services who sit within the Finance Office.

The team are responsible for providing specialist support for

• Applying and delivering European and International funded projects
• Developing and growing pipelines of activities to accelerate the transition from European and International relationships, activities and opportunities into actual external research, applications and income.
• Management of the University's Brussels Office and supporting associated activities and their development.

Find out more

Research and development (R&D) tax relief (or credit) is a HMRC company tax relief that can either reduce a company's tax bill or, for some small and medium-sized enterprises, provide a cash sum. If you are interested in more details please contact us:

Contact Us

We have a number of SME support initiatives across various Local Enterprise Partnership areas, providing free, bespoke support to eligible businesses across the West Midlands and beyond. These initiatives cover a broad remit from material characterisation, waste and raw materials, to the testing and evaluation of medical devices.  

Find out more

BizzInn and BioHub Birmingham

The University of Birmingham has a suite of incubation support available through the BizzInn and The BioHub Birmingham. Through the BizzInn we are able to provide an extensive start-up and growth programme with support tailored to individual needs and easy access to University of Birmingham facilities and expertise.

In addition The Biohub Birmingham is a fully serviced biomedical laboratory and vibrant innovation office designed to provide entrepreneurs and start-ups with access to affordable facilities and equipment.

For more information about the BizzInn please contact:

Andrew Cruxton – Incubation Manager: a.cruxton@bham.ac.uk

For more information about the BioHub please contact: thebiohub@contacts.bham.ac.uk