The Elemental Metal Hub is pleased to announce the launch of its Business Interaction Vouchers (BIVs) scheme, supporting innovative collaborations between academia and industry in the field of engineering biology for environmental processing of metals.
These vouchers are funded through the BBSRC Engineering Biology Mission Hub Programme, part of the UKRI National Engineering Biology Programme, and are aimed at projects within the remit of the Engineering Biology Hub for environmental processing of metals; from contaminated land to industrial biotechnology in a circular economy (ELEMENTAL).
BIVs are designed to encourage and resource defined collaborative projects between UK-based industrial partners and academic researchers from the Elemental membership. Vouchers of up to £50,000 (at 100% full economic cost, including VAT) are available to support research, innovation, technology transfer, and business growth. A UK-based industry contribution is required, ranging from 20% to 50% of the grant value (cash or in-kind). Larger, more mature or commercially ready projects should aim to contribute around 50%, while smaller, earlier-stage or exploratory projects may contribute closer to 20%.
These awards offer industry access to world-leading researchers in engineering biology, enabling collaborative solutions to pressing environmental and resource-related challenges involving metal processing. BIVs are intended as confidence-building mechanisms to support short-term, high-impact projects that can lead to long-term partnerships, improved knowledge exchange, and new research or technology transfer opportunities.
All proposals must be clearly aligned with the Elemental Metal Hub’s objectives, and relevant to the BBSRC’s remit in industrial biotechnology and engineering biology.
Current Funding Call
- Deadline: 5pm, 30th October 2025 (or earlier if all funds are allocated)
- How to Apply:
- Read the BIV Guidelines
- Complete the BIV Application Form
- Submit your application by email to elementalmetalhub@kent.ac.uk, including the following documents:
- Completed BIV Application Form
- CV of the academic project lead
- Letter of support from the industry partner
Please note that BIVs are awarded through a competitive process and the vouchers will be redeemed by the partner research organisation. Early engagement and clear alignment with Elemental’s research themes are strongly encouraged.
Any questions?
Please email the Elemental Hub Manager: elementalmetalhub@kent.ac.uk