Do you need specialized knowledge and expertise to develop and grow your business?
OR
Are you a post-graduate student or have recently graduated and looking for a placement in a business to R&D?
About the Industry Academic Linkages Pilot
The Shaping, the Future of Innovation project, is launching a pilot programme, Industry and Academic Linkages to support business-led innovation by fostering and strengthening links between companies and universities in Trinidad and Tobago centred around applied research and knowledge development.
Eligible firms seeking to embark upon, or actively pursuing, R&D or innovative projects will be afforded the opportunity to host a Post-graduate Research Associate* on a six-month placement to bring in new knowledge and expertise.
Post-graduate Research Associates interested in partnering with firms to undertake R&D or innovative projects can apply for placement in the programme. The pilot programme will provide the firm with 50% of the cost of engaging the Post-graduate Research Associate.
This ground-breaking initiative, managed by CARIRI, is an excellent opportunity for firms to access additional part-funded resources for innovation and applied R&D, aimed at developing new products and services and delivering improvements to processes and productivity.
*Must be educated to at least Masters or PhD level and are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago
How to apply
Firms and Post-graduate Research Associates interested in Industry and Academic Linkages can access support from Shaping the Future of Innovation to define and develop project ideas. A matching service will also be available to connect suitable firms with Post-graduate Research Associates with the skills and knowledge needed to undertake R&D/ innovative projects.
To register your interest in the pilot programme, contact:
Important Points to Note
The research associate must work on an R&D project or process that meets
our criteria and serves a real business need/market demand.
- STFOI will fund 50% of the cost of engaging the research associate. Successful companies will cover the other 50% and any additional costs throughout the R&D process (e.g., consumables, equipment, access to university facilities).
- CARIRI and the participating company will have a contract that outlines the research associate’s obligations.
- The research associate will be supervised by the company and an academic mentor.
Under company taxation provisions, expenditure incurred by companies from engagement in research and development is deductible and an allowance equal to 40% of the actual expenditure incurred, up to a maximum of TT$3,000,000, is available.
Our Application Process
- Interested companies must submit an expression of interest. At this stage, CARIRI will check for the company’s eligibility. Successful applicants will be
referred to CARIRI’s iGap. - The iGap process defines the scope of your innovation project. Between your company and CARIRI, you’ll agree upon the scope and duration of this intervention. Companies will be asked to pay a nominal fee of USD75 (TT$500) per hour for the iGap intervention, typically involving between 3 and 6 hours of work. Following iGap, you’ll fill out Part 2 of the application process for review and assessment by an independent advisory panel.
- Once approved, you’ll be matched with a research associate. To do so, your company will submit a profile of the expertise desired. That way, a suitably qualified research associate can be matched to your needs. Additionally,
member(s) of your company will be invited to matching events hosted by CARIRI and UTT. - Once a suitable research associate has been found, then the project is ratified by the advisory panel, which enables the contract to be initiated with CARIRI
Requirements/Eligibility Criteria for Companies and Graduates/Research Associates
Requirements for Companies to Join STOFI’s Building Industry and Academic Linkages Pilot Intervention Programme
- The Company must be a registered legal entity and have its physical location or the majority of its branches/operations located in Trinidad and Tobago, as we’re aiming to generate new opportunities and employment in this area.
- Every company’s compliance status with the regulations of the tax authorities must be displayed to be able to engage and pay the research associate. Supporting documentation will be required.
- SMEs and large-scale companies are welcome.
- Projects must involve innovative ideas that require an R&D process (maximum of 6 months), and all participants will commit to the project for the full duration.
- A minimum of 50% of the research associate’s remuneration will be provided by the company, as well as the engagement and project-related costs.
- Companies that qualify for this programme can engage more than one associate at a time.