A pioneering web-based project run by the University of Glasgow is set to receive over £225,000 from the Scottish Executive and Strathclyde European Partnership to develop a highly innovative, internet-based resource to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with access to technology licences, know-how and expertise from the University's knowledge.

The University of Glasgow will benefit from awards made through the SEEKIT fund and the Scottish Innovative Actions programme. The SEEKIT fund supports projects that promote co-operation in research and development between Scotland�s science base and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The Scottish Innovative Actions programme has been designed to support projects which offer radical, innovative solutions.

The web-based licensing project run by the University of Glasgow will receive £100,770 from SEEKIT and £124,773 from Innovative Actions, which is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The project will develop a website which will provide companies with easy access to technology licences, expertise and innovation developed by the University.

The University of Glasgow is set to pilot this approach on behalf of the Scottish Higher Education and Research sector in collaboration with Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.

The website will feature licences for technology and software developed by the University of Glasgow across all faculties and departments. The site will provide a wide range of Scottish businesses with simple, fast access to technologies that have the potential to help develop their businesses and strengthen the Scottish economy.

Dr Kevin Cullen, Director of Research & Enterprise with the University of Glasgow, said: 'The funding will enable the University to create a new web resource which will allow businesses to licence technology from the University of Glasgow easier and faster than ever before. This web resource will help Scottish businesses access the innovative technology created at our University and will help give them a competitive edge as they compete in the global marketplace.'

'Both the SEEKIT fund and the Innovative Actions programme help to achieve continued economic growth by encouraging collaboration between Scotland's world class science base and innovative SMEs to drive the economy forward.'

For more information contact: Jenny Murray, Press Officer, University of Glasgow, Tel: 0141 330 8593

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 8 April 2005