The eighth Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards has opened for entries to celebrate exceptional business-academic partnerships.

Interface will host the Awards ceremony in person on Thursday 23 March, 2023.

The Awards acknowledge collaborations from businesses, social enterprises, public sector organisations, third sector, universities, research institutes, innovation centres and colleges.

This year’s iteration was launched by Ivan McKee, Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, at an event for past winners at Heriot-Watt University.

He commented: “It was great to be part of the launch event for 2023 Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (SKEAs), celebrating the innovative collaborations between business and the research community across Scotland.

“I have been involved with the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards for a number of years now and always look forward to hearing more about the impact of these business-academic partnerships across all sectors of industry, helping to tackle some of society’s big challenges and making Scotland a more resilient nation.”

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, added: “It is important we acknowledge the impact of these unique partnerships and celebrate the achievements of the individuals who are driving growth, prosperity and innovation in our local communities.”

The awards were launched at the new National Robotarium, the largest and most advanced applied research facility for robotics and artificial intelligence in the UK.

Dr Gillian Murray, deputy principal for business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University said: “We’re enormously proud to have won several Knowledge Exchange Awards in recent years.

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“These prestigious awards recognise and celebrate the importance of working in partnership with business and the impact that approach can have on accelerating research into commercial application. At Heriot-Watt University, entrepreneurship and innovation lie at the heart of our strategy and we work hard to inspire our students and academics to pursue the commercial potential of their creative ideas.”

The eight Award categories now open for entries are:

• Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd
• Innovator of the Future – sponsored by SCI Scotland Group
• Knowledge Exchange Champion
• Knowledge Exchange Heroes
• Making a Social Difference – sponsored by CEIS
• Making an Environmental Difference – sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland
• Multiparty Collaboration
• Powerful Partnership

The winners will be chosen on their demonstration of innovation, impact – societal or economic – and transformation, along with personal contributions to knowledge exchange.

Individuals from academia or businesses are encouraged to apply by 9th December 2022.

Click here for further information on the awards.