New bioenergy voucher scheme aims to boost industry-academic collaboration

A new voucher scheme has been launched by the Supergen Bioenergy Hub, based at Aston University’s Energy and Bioproducts Institute (EBRI), to encourage greater collaboration between industry and academia in the development of sustainable bioenergy in the UK.

The scheme offers vouchers worth up to £15,000 to help cover business expenses and the expertise of postdoctoral research associates, supporting partnerships that accelerate innovation in the bioenergy sector.

The launch took place at the Energising Futures: Bioenergy Careers and Collaboration event in June, held at Moor Bioenergy — the UK’s first unsubsidised biomethane facility near Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Professor Patricia Thornley, Director of the Supergen Bioenergy Hub at Aston University, said: "The event brought together research and industry partners to share experiences and insights into pathways from academia to industry. It was an ideal platform to launch our voucher scheme and foster future collaborations."

She added: "Our flexible funding voucher scheme is designed to encourage private sector organisations to develop sustainable bioenergy systems that support the UK’s transition to an affordable, resilient, low-carbon energy future. Industry members can receive up to £15,000 to help cover the costs of setting up and running these collaborations."

Professor Thornley highlighted the mutual benefits of industry-academic partnerships: "The two-way exchange of knowledge, skills and perspectives drives progress in both sectors. Industry gains access to cutting-edge expertise, potentially leading to innovative products and solutions, while academics can leverage industry resources, funding and real-world applications to enhance their research impact."

Attending organisations included Calor, AlpsEcoscience, the Association for Decentralised Energy, Progressive Energy, Future Biogas and the Renewable Energy Association.

Dr Becky Wheeler, Business Development Director at Future Biogas, commented: "We’re not going to engineer a low-carbon future in silos. Research, innovation and business must collaborate if we want to deliver meaningful, measurable climate solutions."

The event also offered early career researchers the chance to hear from industry experts about their career journeys and explore in-demand skills to support a successful transition into industry roles.