The Data Lab is excited to launch round three of our new collaborative innovation funding programme designed to create and solidify partnerships between Scottish college and university institutions and industrial partners. This funding is designed to de-risk follow-on funding applications by supporting projects that solve real-world industry challenges.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking applications that solve real-world industry challenges and are at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-6. Strong proposals should include a clear plan for further exploitation and have a well-documented future funding pathway. We are keen to support proposals that represent novel innovation and adoption activities.
In line with the Scottish Government and UK Government missions for growth, we are supportive of applications that can deliver economic and societal benefits across the following sectors:
- Energy and Net Zero
- Digital and Creative Industries
- Manufacturing and Precision Engineering
- Digital and Enabling Technologies and Services
- Mobility and Transport
- Food and Drink
- Financial Services
- Space
Funding Requirements
The Data Lab will award projects using FEC costing methodology.
- Proposals should use the full economic costing model (fEC) to determine project costs and should range in size from £53,000 to £62,999 at 80% fEC.
- Of the 80% fEC, The Data Lab will fund up to £38,000, with the remaining balance to be paid directly by the industrial partner to the academic institution. Academic institutions will be responsible for making up the remaining 20% fEC.
- Proposals must also include a minimum of £30,000 of in-kind contributions. Demonstration of further in-kind contributions are welcomed.
- Projects must include at least one Scottish academic institution and one industrial collaborator that is either located in or has meaningful operations within Scotland.
Additional Requirements:
- Funding is to be primarily used to support staff time.
- Projects should aim to deliver economic impact (e.g. jobs, turnover) and/or positive societal outcomes.
- Collaborations must demonstrate the ability to execute the project. This can be demonstrated through previously delivered R&D projects, domain expertise, and commercial capabilities (including access to markets).
- The project must feature a novel and innovative application of data science or AI techniques. This can be in the context of a particular industry sector.
- Proposals should demonstrate a route to future funding beyond this pump-prime fund.
- Project proposals should typically be within Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 6 (TRL) and last a minimum of 6 months.
- The academic institution and industrial collaborator must be compliant with Scottish Government requirements in relation to Fair Work.
- Proposals should articulate the novelty of their solution in comparison to current market-available solutions.
Costing: Worked Example 1:
- Academic costs at 80% = £53,000
- The Data Lab will subsidise the £53,000 requested up to a maximum of £38,000.
- Remaining £15,000 cash balance which is to be paid direct from the Industrial collaborator to the academic institution.
- £30,000 minimum in-kind contribution from Industry.
Costing: Worked Example 2:
- Academic costs at 80% = £62,000
- The Data Lab will subsidise the £60,000 requested up to a maximum of £38,000.
- This leaves a cash balance of £24,000, which is to be paid directly from the Industrial collaborator to the academic institution.
- £30,000 minimum in-kind contribution from Industry.
Exclusion Criteria
The following are not eligible for funding through this programme:
- Industrial partners or businesses that are subject to insolvency proceedings, have undischarged bankrupts, or individuals who have entered into creditor arrangements (including trust deeds).
- Travel or event hosting costs – this funding is focused on supporting staff costs.
- Funding cannot be awarded to the industrial collaborator.
Application Process
- Expression of interest opens: 09:00 on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
- Expression of interest closes: 17:00 on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
- Applicants notified of outcome (EOI stage): Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
- Full application deadline: Thursday, 30 July 2026.
- Final outcome notifications: Mid- to late August 2026.
Assessment Criteria
Successful applicants at the expression of interest stage will be invited to submit a full application. Full applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Commercial and/or societal benefit.
- Ability to execute the project.
- Demonstration of novelty and innovation.
- Alignment against national priorities.
- Future funding pathway.
Grant Payment Key Details
- Project start date: no later than 12th October 2026
- Payment schedule:
- 100% payment at project end, subject to receipt of close-out report.
- Please note that if your full application is successful, any offer of funding/resources shall be subject to all parties entering into The Data Lab’s standard Project Agreement.
Expression of Interest Form
The pump-prime funding programme is now open.