Deadline: 19-Aug-2026
The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme supports experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs to work with UK universities and help translate academic research into real-world innovation. Successful applicants can receive up to £50,000 over two years to spend one day per week at a host university, supporting research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
The program aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing students and researchers with access to industrial expertise, business insights, and innovation-focused mentoring.
Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme
The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) Scheme is designed to connect experienced industrial researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs with UK universities. Through a structured part-time engagement, award holders help universities strengthen innovation ecosystems, promote entrepreneurship, and accelerate the translation of research into practical applications.
The scheme enables professionals from industry to share their expertise with academic staff and students while fostering stronger university-business partnerships.
Program Objectives
The scheme seeks to:
- Promote innovation and research translation
- Strengthen collaboration between academia and industry
- Support commercialization of research outcomes
- Increase understanding of entrepreneurship among researchers and students
- Expose universities to current industrial research and development practices
- Encourage knowledge exchange between industry and academia
- Support professional development and recognition of award holders
Key Focus Areas
Research Commercialization
Award holders help universities identify opportunities to translate research into products, services, and commercial ventures.
Entrepreneurship Development
The scheme encourages entrepreneurial thinking among researchers, students, and university staff.
Industry Engagement
Participants share practical industrial experience and help build stronger relationships between universities and businesses.
Innovation Capacity Building
Activities may include mentoring, workshops, training sessions, networking events, and strategic innovation support.
Funding Information
| Funding Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum Award Value | £50,000 |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Salary Contribution | Up to £20,000 per year |
| Time Commitment | 1 Day per Week (20%) |
| Travel & Project Expenses | Up to £5,000 per year |
What the Funding Covers
Salary Support
The scheme provides:
- Up to £20,000 annually toward the award holder’s salary
- Support for spending approximately 20% of working time at the host institution
- Funding for a two-year engagement period
The applicant’s employer remains responsible for:
- National Insurance contributions
- Pension contributions
- Other employment-related obligations
Project and Activity Costs
Funding may also support:
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Training workshops
- Innovation events
- Networking activities
- Conference attendance
- Project delivery expenses
Travel and related expenses must not exceed £5,000 per year and must be fully justified in the application.
How the Scheme Works
Step 1: Identify a UK Host University
Applicants collaborate with a UK university to develop a project aligned with institutional needs and innovation goals.
Step 2: Develop a Tailored Project
The project should demonstrate how the applicant’s expertise will support:
- Research translation
- Innovation development
- Entrepreneurial culture
- Industry engagement
Step 3: Submit an Application
Applicants provide:
- Professional background
- Evidence of industrial expertise
- Project proposal
- Budget justification
- Expected outcomes and impact
Step 4: Deliver the Residency
Successful applicants spend one day each week working with the host institution over a two-year period.
Step 5: Generate Impact
Activities may include:
- Mentoring researchers
- Advising on commercialization
- Supporting spinouts and startups
- Delivering workshops
- Facilitating industry partnerships
- Strengthening innovation strategies
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Have a background in science or engineering
- Demonstrate substantial experience in industrial research environments
- Be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the award
- Partner with a UK university host institution
The scheme is open to:
- UK citizens
- International applicants eligible to work in the UK
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Self-employed professionals
Preferred Experience
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas:
University-Industry Collaboration
Experience managing or facilitating partnerships between academic institutions and businesses.
Research Commercialization
Knowledge of translating research into commercial products, services, or ventures.
Entrepreneurship
Experience with:
- Company formation
- Startup growth
- Business development
- Venture investment
- Innovation leadership
Mentoring and Training
Experience providing:
- Coaching
- Professional mentoring
- Innovation training
- Entrepreneurial development programs
Why This Scheme Matters
Many promising research discoveries fail to reach real-world application due to limited commercial expertise within academic environments.
The Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme addresses this challenge by:
- Bringing industry expertise directly into universities
- Accelerating innovation pathways
- Supporting commercialization opportunities
- Developing entrepreneurial skills among researchers
- Enhancing graduate employability
- Strengthening the UK innovation ecosystem
Expected Benefits for Universities
Host institutions can benefit through:
- Improved industry engagement
- Increased commercialization opportunities
- Stronger innovation culture
- Enhanced entrepreneurial education
- Better support for academic spinouts
- Expanded business networks
- Access to industrial best practices
Tips for a Strong Application
Successful applicants should:
- Demonstrate significant industrial research experience.
- Present a clear and achievable project plan.
- Show how the project will benefit the host university.
- Provide measurable outcomes and impact indicators.
- Highlight previous innovation or commercialization successes.
- Explain how students and researchers will benefit.
- Justify all requested expenses clearly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a project without clear innovation outcomes
- Providing insufficient evidence of industrial expertise
- Weak plans for engaging staff and students
- Unclear commercialization or entrepreneurship objectives
- Overestimating project expenses
- Failing to demonstrate long-term institutional impact
- Limited alignment with university priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme?
It is a funding program that enables experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs to spend one day per week at a UK university supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and research translation.
2. How much funding is available?
Applicants can receive up to £50,000 over a two-year period.
3. How much time must award holders spend at the university?
Award holders are expected to spend approximately one day per week, equivalent to 20% of their working time.
4. Who can apply?
Experienced industrial scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and commercialization professionals who are eligible to work in the UK.
5. Can self-employed professionals apply?
Yes. The scheme is open to full-time employees, part-time employees, and self-employed individuals.
6. What expenses are covered?
The award covers salary contributions, travel, accommodation, project activities, workshops, events, and conference-related costs within approved limits.
7. How long does the award last?
The residency is funded for a period of two years.
Conclusion
The Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence Scheme provides a valuable opportunity for experienced industrial scientists and entrepreneurs to help UK universities strengthen innovation, research commercialization, and entrepreneurial culture. With funding of up to £50,000 over two years, the scheme supports meaningful collaboration between academia and industry while helping transform research excellence into real-world impact.
For more information, visit The Royal Society.