Local businesses with innovative ideas can access highly sought after university expertise this summer with a new East of England Development Agency (EEDA) “Innovation Voucher”. They have set aside a fund of £250,000 for small to medium-sized enterprises based in the East of England.

Companies can access up to £3,000 worth of one-to-one collaboration with the region’s top universities and research institutes, to help develop, challenge and improve projects in the pipeline. The vouchers are available free of charge, on a first come first served basis.

Businesses have until Tuesday 30 November 2010 to apply for a voucher at www.bizmapeast.co.uk/finance/grants/innovation_vouchers.aspx