Funding opportunity for Scottish innovation

To win funding, projects should offer innovative solutions to support the Scottish aquaculture sector and supply chain.

The government agency welcomes applications from any company active within Scottish aquaculture or a related sector (including those headquartered overseas but having operations in Scotland), and that is willing to contribute resources to the project.

Any recognised Scottish higher education institution can also apply, in collaboration with an industry partner.

The innovation centre will award a maximum of 50 per cent of the total project cost, with matched funding supplied by industry partners.

Decisions

The deadline for expressions of interest is October 8, and full applications must be submitted by November 26, with funding decisions due to be made by the end of February 2021.

To be eligible, projects must align with one of SAIC’s priorities, either in fish health and welfare, unlocking development capacity, or strengthening the market for shellfish and other non-finfish species.

SAIC, which secured further government funding of £10 million last November, also manages an ongoing ‘rapid response’ fund for smaller projects of less than one year’s duration.

Established in July, this type of funding is to support Scotland’s aquaculture sector following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

SAIC will provide a package of up to £50,000 to successful applicants, with business partners expected to match or exceed the investment through financial and in-kind contributions.

Find out more about all SAIC grants at https://www.scottishaquaculture.com/funding/