The Yorkshire Enterprise Fellowship (YEF) is designed to help university researchers create a business based on their research. Building on the highly successful Bioscience Yorkshire Enterprise Fellowship scheme launched in 2004, this new initiative from Yorkshire Forward delivers practical support to commercialise ideas and research findings from the region's Universities.

Fellows selected to join the programme (on a part time basis) have access to a fully-managed proof of concept support scheme, offering a tailored science and business development programme. Over the course of the programme (2007-2010) a total of 60 Fellowships will be awarded across the eligible disciplines of biosciences, chemicals and healthcare technologies.

What's on offer?

YEF offers a unique package of support, including:

• Up to £10,000 direct support to develop your science
• A specialist enterprise and personal development programme delivered by experienced professional trainers. Topics include business finance and accounting, IP management and leadership skills. Click here to view the full programme.
• A personal business mentor with specialist commercial expertise in your area
• A dedicated extra-net and online project management facility
• Assistance to find investors and signposting to other funding sources
• A highly experienced and focussed programme management team

Please note that salary costs are not met directly by the YEF award.

Scope

YEF Fellow Projects can be categorized into 3 key disciplines as detailed below.

Bioscience includes any development using modern biological techniques to develop products and/or services to serve the needs of human healthcare, animal health, agricultural productivity, food processing, energy & renewable resources or the environmental industries.

Healthcare Technologies covers industries and associated academic and clinical activities in the fields of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

Chemicals encompasses all aspects of chemical related activity including refining, organic/inorganic, pharmaceutical, medical, paint, coatings, fibres etc.