Partner event Free

How to Secure Funding for Collaborative Research & Innovation

12pm – 1pm 22 July 2025 Online

techUK is teaming up with Brunel University of London to spotlight the fully funded Research, Innovate and Emerge (RIEm) programme. RIEm helps small and medium-sized firms shape stronger bids for Innovate UK and other public or private funds. Since launching in 2022 it has supported UK SMEs to win about £5 million in follow-on investment, delivering a 73 %success rate for Innovate UK applications compared with the typical 5 to 10%.

The session links directly to our mission to facilitate stronger connections between technology and higher education as well as supporting our SME Growth and Innovation priorities.

Speakers Include

Professor Geoff Rodgers, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Employment, Brunel University
Dr Michael Joseph, RIEm Programme Lead
Richard Wrigley, RIEm Expert Consultant
Victor Harabari, Founder and CEO, Reneural, RIEm 2023 participant who secured £475,000 through Innovate UK – SFC Capital

By the end of the hour you will understand how RIEm works, what makes a successful funding bid and how to start an application for the 2026 cohort.

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK

Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.

Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.

Tracy Modha

Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK

Tracy supports the marketing of several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Central Government, Cyber Resilience, Defence, Education, Health and Social Care, Justice and Emergency Services, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.

Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!

Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 02073312000
Website:: www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83

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Francesca Richiusa

Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK

Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.

Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.

Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.