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Knowledge Exchange and Embed Partnerships

KEEP+

Talk to our team

Access knowledge and expertise

The Knowledge Exchange and Embed Partnerships (KEEP+) is a business support programme, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, which enables SMEs to access knowledge and expertise through collaboration with the university sector.

KEEP+ provides your business with flexible opportunities for innovation, with a focus on developing new products or services, increasing profitability, reducing costs and providing opportunities to collaborate.

Opportunities

The opportunities below cover a variety of business needs and scenarios, and are subject to financial assistance from the European Regional Development Fund and SME eligibility criteria (see below).

Knowledge Exchange and Embed Partnership (KEEP)

A three-way collaboration between a business, a University and a graduate employee who will work with the business to achieve agreed goals. Limited capital funding may also be available to support the approved collaborative activity.

Research and Innovation Collaboration (RIC)

A collaborative research and development activity for projects requiring more feasibility work and greater levels of research support than a KEEP. Limited capital funding may also be available to support the approved collaborative activity.

Consultancy support

Expertise to assist your business on its innovation journey, this includes 50% funding towards the cost of fast track assistance to help develop your project. This grant is capped at £12,499 with a total spend not exceeding £24,999 excluding VAT.

Stand Alone Capital Grant

50% funding towards the cost of equipment purchases vital to the development of your new product or service. This grant is capped at £12,499 with a total spend not exceeding £24,999 excluding VAT.

Benefits

What can my business gain?

Depending on which part of KEEP+ you access, benefits include:

Access to academic experts to spearhead your project and grow your business
Obtaining access to and greater awareness of potential markets for development of your business
Receiving assistance for the development and design of new products/services
Increasing your competitive advantage
Potential to increase your profitability
Accessing support for innovation and business improvement
Exploring new ideas
Bringing new knowledge into your business

Funding and costs

What is match-funding?

The KEEP+ programme is a match-funded activity, with 50% of the eligible costs being met by the European Regional Development Fund and 50% by the beneficiary SME.

Eligibility

Does your business meet the criteria?

To qualify for KEEP+ funding, your business will need to meet the following initial criteria:

Is your company registered in England?
Do you employ fewer than 249 people?
Do you have an annual turnover of less than €50 million?
Are you no more than 25% owned by another company?
Your sic code is not registered as one of the following ineligible sectors: fishery and agriculture, schools, healthcare, banking, insurance or retail.

Josh Marshall Business Development Manager

Telephone: 01206 873323

Email: jmarshall@essex.ac.uk