Project goals

Innovation vouchers (inovační vouchery) are a tool for promoting cooperation between companies and Brno research institutions. They allow the company to fully concentrate on the business, while the researcher provides knowledge necessary for innovation. Thus, mutual cooperation provides high added value, which can significantly enhance the competitiveness of the participating actors. Innovation vouchers help breaking down barriers of mutual mistrust between corporate and academic world.

What is an innovation voucher?

• Subsidy worth up to 100,000 CZK (approx. 4,000 EUR) covering 75 % of the supported project
• Intended for a purchase of knowledge from one of Brno research institutions
• For companies coming from all around the world
• With minimal administrative burden
• An effective tool for promoting technology transfer

Project Manual - Call 2012 (PDF)

In 2009, 2010 and 2011, 145 vouchers amounting for more than 20 mio CZK were distributed among companies from 4 countries.

Supported activities

Innovation voucher is intended for purchase of a research service that provides new knowledge to the company and is not commonly available. Purchased service must, at the same time, lead to a strengthening of company’s competitiveness. The eligible activities are for example:

•    Product / process / service development
•    Testing and measurements
•    Feasibility studies
•    Prototyping
•    Product design
•    Business plan for an innovative product
•    Economic impact assessment
•    Market analysis / Marketing strategy
•    Innovation / technological audit
•    New business model development

Ineligible activities / costs

The bellow mentioned activities / costs are ineligible. Applications that include these items will be excluded from the selection procedure:

•    standard training courses;
•    software purchases;
•    advertising materials - design and production (including website development);
•    standard services (e.g. auditing, accounting, sales activities, etc.);
•    legal services;
•    grant consulting;
•    internships for students
•    aid that would promote/subsidise the cost of exports
•    material purchases (excl. Material necessary for delivery of the service).

Activities that are not listed above are considered as eligible.

How to apply - in 3 steps

1. Choose one Knowledge provider.
2. Arrange details of your project and get the Knowledge offer (Template).
3. Submit your application.