The Bhattacharyya Award celebrates outstanding collaboration between universities and industry.
About the Bhattacharyya Award
The Bhattacharyya Award celebrates impactful collaboration between universities and industry. Established in 2019, the award honours the legacy of Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, whose work championed the power of university–industry partnerships to drive innovation and benefit society.
The award recognises collaborations that demonstrate:
- Sustained strategic partnership
- Innovation and originality
- Meaningful societal or economic impact
Each strand awards £25,000 to support continued collaboration and knowledge transfer.
Which strand of the prize is right for you?
Two strands are available:
- Main Strand – Established collaborations
- SME Strand – University collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises
Main strand
For long-standing university–industry collaborations, typically involving large or established partners. Best suited for partnerships that have developed over five years or more and demonstrate significant national or global impact.
SME strand
For collaborations between universities and small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Designed to recognise the innovation, agility and growth potential of SME partnerships. Collaborations should typically demonstrate at least two years of strategic engagement.
How the Bhattacharyya Award works.
Universities submit a single institutional application for each strand.
Applications are reviewed by the Bhattacharyya Award Judging Panel.
Up to five finalists are shortlisted.
Finalists produce a 3-minute video explaining their collaboration.
The judging panel selects the overall winner, who receives £25,000.
Shortlisted teams receive £5,000 to support video production or collaborative activity.
Meet the award winner from 2025
Why apply for the Bhattacharyya Awards?
The Bhattacharyya Award offers:
- National recognition for exceptional collaboration
- Visibility across industry, academia and policy communities
- Opportunities to connect with the Academy’s network of leaders and innovators
- Support to strengthen and expand the partnership
Shortlisted and winning collaborations may also be featured in Academy publications and events.
Before You Apply
Applications must be submitted by a UK university or college.
Each institution may submit:
- One application to the Main Strand
- One application to the SME Strand
Applications should clearly demonstrate:
- Sustained collaboration
- Innovation and originality
- Real-world impact
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