Hi3 Network Innovation Voucher Call

Introduction to Hi3 Network ‍

Hi3 Network is defining the future of moving-image, screen-based and creative technologies through innovative research and development. It is a network of industry specialists, researchers and businesses developing new products, services, experiences, and new research at our creative digital hubs in Canterbury, Folkestone, and Maidstone.

Hi3 Network is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is run in partnership with London South Bank University, Screen South, Creative Folkestone, Canterbury Christ Church University and Maidstone Studios Ltd. The project is delivered partly by three sets of production studios in Folkestone, Canterbury, and Maidstone and partly through the creation of a sustainable framework to enable SMEs and university researchers to collaborate. Lastly, this is via advanced connectivity and cloud between the three locations.

If you are looking to move from business survival to business expansion, an Innovation Voucher is an opportunity to catapult your ideas into developed new products, services or experiences with university researchers at London South Bank University (LSBU) and Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) who are keen to share knowledge, skills and tools with your business so it can better position itself ahead of the curve.‍

What do you get with an Innovation Voucher?

Hi3 Network has three experimental studio spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, as well as co-working production spaces with fast processing power and cloud computing. These are based in Canterbury, Folkestone and Maidstone. These are non-monetary awards that equate to multiple dedicated sandbox sessions at any of our three hubs with access to our kit. Furthermore, successful applicants can present their findings at conferences, get publication and press opportunities, and there is potential for further consulting from industry experts or introductions to venture capitalists where applicable.

24 Innovation Vouchers will be awarded to businesses and researchers with an innovative research topic from now until 2023, These will be awarded across three calls for innovation vouchers, this is the first of the three calls. These vouchers give free dedicated access to the network’s pre-production, live shooting, post production and/or other creative workflows.  ‍

Who can apply for an Innovation Voucher?

Proposals from a pairing of at least one eligible business and one researcher are accepted.

A business who is interested and is not currently working with a researcher from LSBU or CCCU should contact the Hi3 Network team. We will conduct an initial scoping session to see if we put you in touch with a suitable researcher.

Researchers who are not currently working with an eligible SME should contact the Hi3 Network team and we will try to put you in touch with a suitable SME.

When do applications need to be submitted by?‍

The deadline for the first open call is 23:59 on Monday, 28 February 2022‍

Please download this document to review full information relating to the Call, including eligibility requirements and what you will need to submit with your application.  

Application guidelines can be viewed here.‍

Apply now