Unlock the funding you need

Thanks to our extensive network of contacts and collaborations, we are able to access a wide range of grants and other external funding mechanisms for data-science-based research and project development. We specialise in helping academics expand their research and development activities, and can help academic research teams access funds for translational work that commercialises research.

Why come to The Data Lab for funding and assistance?

We can help secure funding for transformational projects from different external sources by working with you to write and coordinate strategic bids. We have had success with funding sources such as the Digital Innovation Hubs and the Strength in Places Fund.

Key benefits

Funding and grants in Scotland

Funding for your MOOC and other online courses

As part of our mission to turn Scotland into a leader in Data Science, we provide funding and advice for academics and researchers who want to develop online courses. To date, we have funded a number of successful online courses that have provided learning opportunities to thousands of students.

What funding is available?

The Data Lab will provide up to £30,000 or £50,000 for the development of online courses:

• Short online course (for example: open resources and MOOCs) – up to £30,000
• Professional online course (for example: professional training) – up to £30,000
• Large course (for example: MSc credit bearing course or MOOC + accompanying online training course) – up to £50,000

The Data Lab will provide funding for the costs incurred in the development of new online courses. This could include, curriculum design, video design and production, project management, and academic expertise.

We expect the institution leading the project to find funding for the remainder of the development costs for the course. Typically, this will be equal to or greater than The Data Lab contribution.

In-kind contributions may be counted towards meeting the development costs. Please contact the Skills Team at skills@thedatalab.com if you have any questions about a current or future application.

Collaborative Innovation Funding

The Data Lab works to link up academics with Scottish-based companies and public sector organisations to develop and deliver data-driven innovative research projects for new products, services, or processes.

We provide Innovation Funding for such collaborative and work with academics and their industry partners to develop applications that are suitable for review by our Innovation Advisory Board. This Board is made up of a mix of data experts from industry and academia. The core requirements for collaborative project funding applications are as follows:

• Applicants must have a Scottish office, with personnel based in Scotland
• There are clear economic (e.g. jobs, turnover) and/or social impact(s) that benefit the company and Scotland as a result of a successful project delivery and commercialisation
• There must be a clear ability to execute the project. This can be demonstrated through previously delivered research & development projects, domain expertise, and commercial capabilities (including access to markets)
• The project must feature a novel and innovative application of data science/ AI techniques. This can be in the context of a particular industry or public sector area
• SMEs will make a cash contribution of 25% towards total academic projects costs, rising to 40% for large companies
• Project proposals should typically be within Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 6 (TRL)

Projects generally run for 3-12 months. The Data Lab project management team will provide project governance support to ensure the collaboration runs smoothly and achieves the best outcomes for all parties.

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