STAR Grants at Sporting Chance Initiative
The Sporting Chance Initiative STAR Grant supports collaborations between Scottish SMEs and Higher Education Institutions. Projects should aim to produce new products or processes that will benefit the business, by using cutting edge skills and facilities available through the research base.
Projects may be funded up to
£5,000 matched in kind or in cash by the business. The awards are specifically to encourage
new partnerships and innovation.
The scheme is broad in its application; however funds may NOT be used to cover the costs of:
standard training courses
software purchases
aid that would promote/ subsidise the cost of exports
internships for students of knowledge institutions
design and production of advertising materials
sales activities
For more information on this award or other support we may be able to offer your business, please contact our
Business Development team, providing some general details about your business and the reason for your enquiry. All enquiries we receive are treated in confidence.
Frequently asked Questions
Who is Sporting Chance Initiative?
Sporting Chance Initiative provides support for companies aiming to win lucrative business in the sports arena, offering an impartial and free service to assist companies in locating world class expertise, research and facilities within Scottish Universities.
How much funding can is available to work with the science base?
This scheme is aimed at building relationships between Scottish SMEs and the Science Base and will fund projects up to £5,000 matched in kind or in cash.
What does “The funding can be matched in kind” mean?
This means that if your company can contribute time, resources, materials and equipment to match the value of the funding contributed to the project undertaken with University / Research Institute.
How quickly can the funding be in place?
You will know if you have been successful in obtaining the funding within two weeks of submitting the application. The actual funding however is only paid out on the successful completion of the project and the receipt of a completed and agreed project report, and will be paid directly to the contracted University / Research Institute that you collaborate with.
What types of projects are not funded?- standard training courses
- software purchases
- aid that would promote/ subsidise the cost of exports
- internships for students of knowledge institutions
- design and production of advertising materials
- sales activities
Each project is judged on its own merit, so if you are not sure whether you would qualify, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team.
Who does the funding get paid out to on completion of the project?
The funding is paid directly to the University / Research Institute that your company collaborates with on the project.
Does funding have to be for an SME? i.e. can chaities benefit
Yes, our funding provides match funding for Scottish Registered companies, with a turnover of less than £35 M and less than 250 staff.
If you are not however a Scottish Registered SME, please contact one of the team as we can assist you to find the expertise / facilities you are looking for and will discuss other funding options available.
Can work on the project be carried out at the company premises?
Yes, if your company has specialist equipment, and needs access to an “academic expert”, then the funding would pay for the academic time to assist your company with the project.
Each application is looked at on its individual merits. Please speak to one of the Sporting Chance Initiative team for assistance with your application.
How long does the average project take?
Under the funding guidelines the project must be completed within 6 months, however the project can be completed much quicker depending on the nature of the collaboration.
Is the funding only for work to be done on products?
The funding will contribute towards doing collaborative work on products, processes and services, as the funding covers a wide range of projects, so please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Sporting Chance team for advice.
If you have any other questions or would like some more information on the STAR grant or on the Sporting Chance Initiative, please contact one of the team members on
sportingchance@suip.co.uk or on 01786 458090.