With universities encouraged by the Government to play a part in the economic recovery following lockdown, ARU plans to share its expertise and graduate talent in a new business recovery support initiative.
Organisations can apply for innovation vouchers, worth anything up to £5,000 and which must be match-funded by an employer. Companies can use these vouchers to access academic expertise or innovation support.
There will also be an internship scheme, whereby eight-week internships for ARU graduates will be assigned to work on business projects and inject fresh ideas.
ARU also offers existing business support schemes, such as KEEP+, which connects small and medium sized enterprises to academic expertise, funded by the European Union,
ARU is inviting large and small businesses as well as charities, social enterprises and local authorities to work in collaboration.
Professor Yvonne Barnett, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at ARU, said: “COVID-19 has had a significant impact on businesses in our region, and as a university embedded in our communities, it is right that we do all we can to mitigate these effects and meet challenges head on.
“We are hopeful that organisations from a wide range of sectors will join the conversation and work with us, tapping into the resources we can provide, such as our alumni talent, academic expertise, access to networks and our support for innovation.
“By working collaboratively, we can help the region mitigate the devastating effects of the pandemic, both economically and in society as a whole.”
To find out more visit the website here or contact business@aru.ac.uk