Researchers eye multi-billion Euro research pot
29 January 2015
Cardiff University's researchers and Welsh businesses could benefit from a share of research funding worth billions of Euros.
Horizon 2020 has a €79 billion budget to fund thousands of research projects across Europe, and offers potential for Universities and businesses to drive innovation in Wales.
Cardiff is a founder member of Vision2020, which acts as a hub, linking universities, research organisations, larger companies and SMEs, to maximise the value of Horizon 2020.
Jasper Hemmes, of the EC Executive Agency for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (EASME), outlined funding opportunities to an audience of researchers and business leaders in Cardiff.
"A completely new type of programme - The SME Instrument - offers new opportunities for highly innovative small and medium-sized enterprises. If you have a strong growth potential, global ambitions and a fantastic close-to-market idea, you can receive up to €2.5 million in funding and world-class business support," said Mr Hemmes.
Programmes such as Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies (LEIT) also offer opportunities for SMEs to collaborate with to research and technology organisations (RTOs).
Abdul Rahim, Director of Vision2020, told the event: "The Vision2020 network now has over 100 SME members from across the UK and elsewhere in Europe, seeking to enhance their involvement in Horizon 2020. Vision2020 exists to open doors and build bridges, for both researchers and business leaders, and offers practical help through a range of specialist services including bid writing and legal affairs."
Delegates included staff from the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) and the Enterprise Europe Network Wales. The event was organised by Cardiff University Innovation Network, which connects business and business support organisations to academics.