Valued at up to £5,000, these Innovation Vouchers will facilitate partnerships between businesses, charities, and an academic researcher from the University of Roehampton for a project critical to their expansion. Projects may range from market research, product development and testing, to marketing, strategy development, or research support.

The occasion presents a unique chance for businesses and charities to learn from organisations and academics who have previously benefited from an Innovation Voucher project. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to be paired with academic experts best suited to their business needs.

Paul Kirkbright, South London Partnership and BIG South London, says: “Businesses can gain so much knowledge and value from working with a university. At this event, we aim to create connections, spark collaborations, and demonstrate with practical case studies how voucher funding can be used. If you’re a local organisation which has never had the opportunity to engage with the University of Roehampton, I would urge you to come and find out more.”

The scheme is open to businesses and charities in any sector, with focuses on mental and physical health and wellbeing, business sustainability and growth and green skills and the built environment.

José Magalhães, Head of Research and Knowledge Exchange Development, University of Roehampton, comments: “Roehampton is ranked the most research-intensive modern university in London, with world-class research taking place across all of our academic departments. Working and sharing knowledge with businesses is firmly embedded in our strategy and our doors are very much open to collaborations. The Innovation Voucher scheme allows organisations to test the water with a funded short-term collaboration, potentially leading to a longer-term relationship.”

The event takes place on 20 March from 16:30 at the Elm Grove Conference Centre, University of Roehampton.