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BIGEE Research and Development Vouchers Programme
The Programme provides targeted funding to help Jamaican innovators, businesses and researchers undertake research and development activities that move promising innovations closer to commercialization.
OVERVIEW
The Programme provides funding for targeted research and development activities that can help innovators validate, develop and strengthen their technologies, products and processes. The Programme will also strengthen collaboration between businesses and research institutions while building Jamaica’s pipeline of commercialization-ready innovations.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the BIGEE Research and Development Vouchers Programmeme is to fund targeted research and development activities that increase technology readiness and commercial viability.
The Programme aims to:
- Support the development of commercially promising technologies
- Strengthen university-industry collaboration
- Reduce barriers to accessing research services
- Reduce technical and market risks
- Support innovation within MSMEs
- Encourage private-sector investment in innovation
- Increase the number of commercialization-ready innovations entering the Patent Grant Fund and investment pipeline
BIGEE Research and Development Vouchers Eligibility
ELIGIBILE PROJECTS
Research Voucher funding may support projects involving:
Prototype development and refinement
Laboratory testing and analysis
Technical and product vaildation
Product formulation
Performance testing
Field trials
Specialized technical consultancy
Collaborative applied research
Regulatory testing and standards compliance
Customer and market validation
Product design improvements
Technical feasibility studies
Process optimization
Manufacturing feasibility
Product certification preparation
Engineering design and analysis
INELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Research Voucher funding cannot be used for:
Basic academic research without commercialization potential
Tuition Fees
Salaries for permanent staff
Building construction
Purchase of land
Retrospective funding
Activities already funded through another programme
General office equipmenet
Debt repayment
Marketing campaigns unrelated to validation
Routine operational expenses
Unrelated conferences
Basic academic research without commercialization potential
Grant Details
Up to US$15,000 Maximum funding available per project with committed 30% Counterpart Contribution. Applicants are expected to provide a 30% counterpart commitment, comprising cash and in-kind contributions.
The Programme is designed to support shorter-term research and development interventions that can demonstrate measurable value within six months.
eligibility requirements Citeria
Overview
Apply
Submit your application with information about your innovation, research need and proposed activities.
Eligibility Screening
Applications are reviewed to confirm eligibility and completeness.
Evaluation
Eligible applications are assessed based on the proposed project and its potential to advance the innovation.
Approval
Successful applicants proceed to agreement and project preparation.
Implementation
Approved research and development activities are undertaken according to the agreed workplan and budget.
Reporting
Recipients report on project activities, outputs and expenditure.
The following outlines the eligibility requirements for the Innovation Grant Fund :
What is the BIGEE Research and Development Vouchers Programme?
The Programme provides targeted funding for research and development activities that help promising innovations progress toward commercialization
How much funding can I receive?
Up to US$15,000 per project.
How much funding can I receive
The Programme supports eligible Jamaican businesses, start-ups, MSMEs, researchers, research institutions, innovators and industry partners.
What can the funding be used for?
Funding can support activities such as prototyping, laboratory testing, technical validation, product development, market validation, regulatory readiness and other approved research and development activities.
Do I have to contribute to the project?
Yes. Applicants are expected to provide a 30% counterpart contribution, comprising cash and in-kind contributions.
How long can a project last
Projects are intended to be completed within six months.
What cannot the funding be used for?
The Programme does not support activities such as tuition, permanent staff salaries, land purchases, general office equipment, debt repayment, routine operating expenses or retrospective funding.
When will I be notified whether my application qualifies for the voucher?
You will be notified of the outcome once the evaluation process is completed in November 2026
The following outlines the eligibility requirements for the Innovation Grant Fund :
What is a patent?
What is meant by an invention?
Who can obtain a patent?
How much can I get through the patent grant?
What is the process to submit my application?
Applications can only be submitted via the website.
Which sectors are eligible to access this fund?
1. Software and ICT Industries
2. Artisan products and Creative Industries
3. Agri-Tech
4. Light-Manufacturing
5. Climate change,
6. Gender inclusion and
7. Innovation in emerging technologies (including Big Data, Manufacturing, Electronics, Biotechnology Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, etc.).
What are the interest rate and timeline for the payback of this product?
The IGNITE grant is not a loan and is non-repayable.
What are some examples of in-kind contributions?
An in-kind contribution is a contribution of a good or service other than money which includes donated services, donated goods, or labour that can be valued.
Do I have to have an innovative product to apply for this fund?
In order to remain competitive, it is strongly encouraged that you are planning to execute an innovative venture.
Who are the BSI?
Business Service Intermediaries (BSIs) will assist you to prepare your application and if selected will create your development plan and provide project management support during the implementation of the programme over the 12 month period. See our List of BSIs
Ready to move your innovation forward?
Access targeted funding to research, validate and develop your innovation for commercialization.
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