Supported by the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish & Highland and Islands Enterprise, the CSIC is hosting a joint event with InnovateUK tomorrow at the IET Teacher Building in Glasgow.

Bill McBride, the CSIC’S chairman, said their collaborative aim is to “support and connect innovative companies to accelerate sustainable economic growth”.

With £6m of InnovateUK funding available to successful applicants, this event is designed to communicate and provide access to such targeted investment in a streamlined and efficient manner.

The areas targeted by this specific funding are:

InnovateUK will also share information on the priorities for its Low Impact Building Innovation Platform.

On the day delegates will also have an opportunity to hear directly from Bruce McClelland, head of the built environment at the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN). This organisation successfully brings together businesses, entrepreneurs and funders to develop new initiatives. Bruce and his colleagues will share information on how those in the Scottish construction sector can successfully engage to support individual innovation strategies.

Bill McBride said: “We are very pleased to be collaborating with InnovateUK and the Knowledge Transfer Network to help drive the growth of innovation in construction. There is a renewed spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation throughout Scotland and real desire to effect positive change across all parts of our economy. There are many opportunities open to forward thinking businesses – our desire is to assist such businesses to embrace the opportunity.”

Chris Warkup, CEO, The Knowledge Transfer Network added: “Innovation for economic growth of the construction supply chain is an important focus for the KTN as the United Kingdom’s Innovation Network. We are delighted to be working side-by-side with the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre and Scottish Enterprise. Together we can help link businesses to the relevant full breadth of technology and funding opportunities and help grow productive partnerships.”

Simon Hart, Innovation Platform Leader, Low Impact Building, Innovate UK, said: “InnovateUK is pleased to work alongside CSIC and Scottish Enterprise to launch £6m of Innovation funding. These innovation competitions will enable businesses and SME’s to meet the next generation construction challenges. This will advance technology, secure jobs and increase exports to strengthen the economy.”