About the programme

The Innovation Fellowship programme is a collaborative programme operating across all nine East Midlands HEIs: De Montfort University, University of Derby, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, Loughborough University, University of Northampton, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and Bishop Grosseteste University College, Lincoln.

It is currently jointly funded by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) together with european support through ERDF, having previously been funded by HEFCE (under the HEROBC II and HEIF II initiatives).

The main aim of the programme is to "..facilitate the commercialisation of ideas, products and processes, thereby increasing the flow of new technology from universities to business.." and is supported through the granting of an Innovation Fellowship.

Innovation Fellowships

Early-stage finance to facilitate and encourage the commercialisation of university research. Fellowships enable academics to undertake a range activities including: 'proof of concept'; development of robust IP, business planning, market appraisal work and to engage potential commercial partners and end users. It is also allows access to business training, coaching and mentoring.

Rules and Eligibility

1. Academic, administrative and research staff from the following HEIs are eligible: De Montfort University, University of Derby, University of Leicester, University of Lincoln, Loughborough University, University of Northampton, University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University.
2. The maximum duration of Fellowship activity is 12 months. Innovation Fellowships must be completed and have submitted a final report and expenditure statement within 3 months of the completion date.
3. It is expected that funds will predominantly be used to buy-out staff time. However, with justification, they may also be used to fund: contract research staff, UK travel, consumables, consultancy etc.
4. International travel costs are supported only in exceptional cases and must be fully justified within the proposal.
5. Fellowships are awarded as a grant. 70% is transferred upfront on acceptance of the award. 30% of the grant is retained as a final instalment subject to the completion of a satisfactory final report and final expenditure statement. The final instalment is reconciled against actual expenditure.
6. In the event of a project having a successful commercial outcome within five years, the Fellowship award will be repaid from the a portion of the commercial income generated, capped to the amount of the award.
7. The programme will not normally support more than 80% of the eligible full economic costs of the proposed activity.
8. Initial awards are generally for up to £15,000, but for no more than £16,000.
9. Patent filing costs are not eligible for funding from this programme.
10. Awarded Fellowships are monitored by the Regional Co-ordinator and/or representatives from the host HEI.
11. Applications to the programme must be supported by the Head of School/Department and authorised by the appropriate authority at the host HEI.
12. It is the responsibility of the Fellow's Institution and the Fellow engaged in activity supported by HIRF to ensure that results are protected and exploited as appropriate.
13. Ownership of any intellectual property arising from an Innovation Fellowship is vested in the Fellow's Institution. The Fellow's Institution is entitled to retain any income arising from exploitation agreements.
14. The award incorporates a degree of business training and access to skilled and experienced business coaches.