Low Carbon KEEP Programme
The Low Carbon KEEP programme is a unique funding opportunity available to small to medium sized companies (SMEs) within the East of England. The funding aims to support collaboration between SMEs and research providers, in order to carry out 'low carbon' projects. The Low Carbon KEEP (Knowledge-East of England-Partners) programme enables businesses to improve their competitiveness by working with an academic and graduate.
Knowledge transfer is a proven method of businesses accessing university research and therefore building their capabilities. Key to knowledge transfer, these new capabilities will last beyond the placement of the graduate and therefore the value of the project will outlast its duration.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the East of England Development Agency, the Low Carbon KEEP (Knowledge-East of England-Partners) grant will cover 40% of eligible project costs.A Low Carbon KEEP Capital Grant Scheme further allows SMEs to recoup 40% of the cost of purchasing capital items, such as essential equipment or software, which are fundamental to the success of a Low Carbon KEEP project. All capital items purchased utilising Low Carbon KEEP capital grant funding will remain in the ownership of the SME partner.
Despite spending cuts throughout Europe and the UK, funding for Low Carbon KEEP projects is still available until the end of April 2015.
The Low Carbon KEEP Programme is offering businesses in the East of England a unique growth opportunity. Low Carbon KEEP projects can vary between 4 - 18 months in length and are bespoke to the needs of the company and the expertise of the academic.
In addition, the Low Carbon KEEP Programme has recently introduced Low Carbon KEEP Innovation Vouchers which allow SMEs to purchase academic expertise from the region's Universities and Colleges to support innovation and business improvement.The Innovation Vouchers cover 40% of the costs of purchasing specialist support for a value from £1,000 up to £5,000, which will provide up to 12 days of bespoke assistance.
Knowledge transfer is a proven method of businesses accessing university research and therefore building their capabilities. Key to knowledge transfer, these new capabilities will last beyond the placement of the graduate and therefore the value of the project will outlast its duration.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the East of England Development Agency, the Low Carbon KEEP (Knowledge-East of England-Partners) grant will cover 40% of eligible project costs.A Low Carbon KEEP Capital Grant Scheme further allows SMEs to recoup 40% of the cost of purchasing capital items, such as essential equipment or software, which are fundamental to the success of a Low Carbon KEEP project. All capital items purchased utilising Low Carbon KEEP capital grant funding will remain in the ownership of the SME partner.
Despite spending cuts throughout Europe and the UK, funding for Low Carbon KEEP projects is still available until the end of April 2015.
The Low Carbon KEEP Programme is offering businesses in the East of England a unique growth opportunity. Low Carbon KEEP projects can vary between 4 - 18 months in length and are bespoke to the needs of the company and the expertise of the academic.
In addition, the Low Carbon KEEP Programme has recently introduced Low Carbon KEEP Innovation Vouchers which allow SMEs to purchase academic expertise from the region's Universities and Colleges to support innovation and business improvement.The Innovation Vouchers cover 40% of the costs of purchasing specialist support for a value from £1,000 up to £5,000, which will provide up to 12 days of bespoke assistance.
Low Carbon KEEP projects involve collaboration between three main parties:
- The company - A small to medium sized business based in the East of England
- The knowledge base - A university of college based anywhere in the UK
- The associate - An experienced specialist who has graduated in the last 5 years
“When you are trying to change a global industry that is using 100 year old technology, the effort and resources required are immense, and the help that Cranfield University have provided has been invaluable.
~Ian Turner, MD, Juice Technology Ltd”
A Low Carbon KEEP project in a nutshell
- A three-way partnership between a company, a university or college and a graduate.
- A project to accelerate the adoption of new ideas and business innovation, update academic practice and offer employment to high-calibre graduates. These projects are beneficial for all parties and often lead to further collaboration and a permanent placement for the graduate.
- Low Carbon KEEP stands for Knowledge-East of England-Partners.
- Provide a short sharp strategic intervention within a company
How does Low Carbon KEEP work?
Participating companies or organisations, working closely with a university or college, benefit from the services of a graduate working for their business for the duration of the project. The graduate spends 100% of their time at the business but is an employee of the university or college. Depending on the project the graduate can work on either a full or part-time basis. The graduate serves as a conduit for information from the university or college via a specialist in the field.Who is eligible?
- Micro organisations
- Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees
- Public sector
- Charities and not-for-profit organisations
Low Carbon KEEP Overview
Below you can find a detailed overview of the Low Carbon KEEP programme and the various benefits and opportunities for funding it provides to small businesses in the East of England, as presented by Carolle Randall, Low Carbon KEEP Programme Manager.
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