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Research Wales Innovation Funding

We are excited to launch this short-term RWIF scheme which could contribute 50% of the funding towards academic support for the development and execution your work based Research Project!

The RWIF Innovation Voucher Scheme supports Wales-based SMEs, farms, supply chain businesses and community organisations to explore innovative ideas, test new approaches, and address real-world challenges in the workplace.

Deadline Midnight 31st Aug 2026.

Applicant Guidance

What is the voucher for?

This application is for 50% funding to complete research training and/or gain academic input to a research or innovation project in your workplace. Total value:

  • Research Training =£1055 - Voucher contribution = £527.50
  • Academic input to research project cost = £3,170 - Voucher contribution = £1,585

Projects are supported by Aberystwyth University (IBERS) academic staff and are intended to generate useful, applied outcomes for participating organisations. Outputs may be used towards an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture or MSc Agrifood Innovation, however this is not compulsory and no other qualifications are available via this scheme.

What sorts of project are eligible?

The voucher is designed to support organisations based in Wales to:

  • Investigate a specific challenge or opportunity in the workplace
  • Test a new idea, process, practice or technology
  • Carry out a practical, work-based research or innovation project
  • Access academic expertise to support project design, delivery and dissemination
  • Build research capability through flexible training

Each project should generate a useful output for the organisation, such as:

  • A feasibility study
  • An evaluation or assessment
  • A workplace trial or pilot
  • Recommendations for future action
  • Findings that can be shared internally or more widely where appropriate

Commitment

Successful applicants will need to:

  • Contribute the remaining 50% of project costs
  • Be able to engage with the project between Sept. 2026 and July 2027
  • Work with Aberystwyth University to shape and deliver the project
  • Participate in project evaluation and impact reporting

All applicants must also confirm that they are within Minimal Financial Assistance (MFA) subsidy control limits. Routine agricultural support payments are not classed as MFA and do not count towards this limit.

Contact Us

If anything is unclear or you would like more advice please contact us at atpstaff@aber.ac.uk

Please note the application cannot be saved, so it's worth working on the 2 main questions off-line before you apply. Questions are:

  1. What challenge or opportunity would you like to address? (Briefly describe the issue or idea you want to explore in up to 200 words) 
  2. What would you like to try out or investigate to address this issue (up to 250 words)?

Downloadable Resources

Brochure 2026 - 27 Research Proposal Form