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SFC Interface Innovation Vouchers

SFC Student Placement Innovation Vouchers

Funds Scottish SMEs extending academic collaborations through SFC-backed student placement vouchers.

OpenScottish Funding CouncilUnited KingdomDeep-tech · adjacent

Eligibility · Scotland

Interface administers Student Placement Innovation Vouchers as an SFC-backed grant under the Interface Innovation Voucher programme. The voucher builds on an existing Standard Innovation Voucher relationship between an SME and a Scottish Higher Education Institution, with the same academic team leading a project that gives a PhD or Masters student business experience.

Awards run from GBP 1,000 to GBP 7,500 and cover the academic project. The organisation must provide matching in-kind value, such as staff time, materials, equipment, or a combination of these. The source facts do not state a cash match percentage, scoring rubric, decision timing, or total pool for this voucher.

Eligibility is tied to a completed Standard Innovation Voucher. The application must be completed by both the academic and SME partners, and all applications go through the Interface Partner Portal managed by the university or college partner. Companies must have suitable premises to host the student, although flexible or remote working may be possible.

Follow-on student placement projects that build on a completed Standard Innovation Voucher relationship between a Scottish SME and a Higher Education Institution in Scotland.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 23 Jun 2026Source: interface-online.org.uk