A PIONEERING scheme that encourages companies to work with universities and colleges to incorporate new technologies and services into their businesses has returned with £240,000 in grants up for grabs in Worcestershire and neighbouring counties.

The successful Innova-tion Vouchers, backed by Advantage West Midlands and administered by Aston University, were the first in the UK when piloted last year. They are now going nationwide after revolutionising the way businesses interact with higher education.

The scheme - called INDEX (Innovation Delivers Expansion) - centres on the pooling of resources of 13 West Midlands universities and higher education institutions. Since June last year 140 vouchers have been awarded to small businesses and a further 80 are being advertised this month, worth £3,000 each.

Companies using the vouchers come from all sectors, from manufacturing to creative industries.

Dr Philip Extance, director of innovation at AWM, said: "The beauty of this scheme is that companies in Worcestershire can tap into the expertise of any of the region's universities at minimum cost and risk and then expect to see real improvements in their performance."

Main areas of research covered include energy, advanced materials, medical technology, automotive, digital media, construction, the environment, process industries, aerospace, defence, manufacturing and electronics.

For businesses with up to 250 employees, there's an online application at www.indexvouchers.org.

The INDEX Advice Centre is on 0121 204 3883 or enquiries@indexvouchers.org. Companies are expected to supply contact details, an outline of the innovation and the type of expertise required.