Place
From our Innovate Local event programme to our Net Zero Places Innovation Network, we are committed to delivering place-based activities that make a difference to innovators across the UK.
What is ‘Place’?
Places are both an enabler and a driver for innovation. The Levelling Up White Paper makes clear the importance of place and place-based initiatives in delivering economic, environmental, and societal benefits across the UK and we are committed to connecting national and regional innovation to enable these benefits.
We look at innovation from a place-first, rather than sector-first perspective, working between national policies and local priorities. On a practical level, it means we’re doing things in places, for the benefit of those places.
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Inspiring
We inspire by showcasing innovation excellence from across the UK
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Connecting
We involve by convening and connecting places together to meet UK aspirations such as Net Zero and Levelling Up
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Investing
We invest by informing government levers for place and support national decision making in areas like funding and procurement
Place and levelling up
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FOCUS AREA
Strengthening UK capability in places
We support existing excellent local innovation strengths that are critical to overall UK capability, through investment support in strategic infrastructure, to building clusters of excellence.
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FOCUS AREA
Connecting national to local
We need local and national business support across the UK, to work together with better signposting and awareness of national and specialist support. We strive to make it easier for businesses to find the best support, whether local or national.
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FOCUS AREA
Driving local impact
We tailor our support to innovative business clusters to build capacity, stimulate greater connectivity between local businesses and the research base and deliver greater productivity and economic impact.
Launchpad programme
Innovate UK Launchpad is a programme aimed at supporting emerging clusters of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Launched in 2020, it provides funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help SMEs grow and scale their businesses.
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Our Experts
Related Opportunities
SMART: SCOTLAND grants for feasibility studies for SMEs
Applications accepted year-round
The SMART: SCOTLAND grant, for SMEs in Scotland, supports feasibility studies for high-risk, highly ambitious R&D projects.
More Information
Launchpad: marine and maritime in the Great South West – R2 CR&D
Opens: 02/09/2024 Closes: 16/10/2024
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £3m for business led innovation in the marine and maritime cluster in the Great South West.
More Information
Launchpad: marine and maritime in the Great South West – R2 MFA
Opens: 02/09/2024 Closes: 16/10/2024
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £3m for business led innovation in the marine and maritime cluster in the Great South West.
More Information
Related Events and Recordings
Related programmes
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Net Zero Places Innovation Network
Making net zero a reality in the UK by supporting local/regional authorities to achieve their net zero ambitions by connecting, collaborating, sharing experiences and adopting innovation.
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Launchpads
Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme supports small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative businesses, strengthening innovation in targeted clusters across the UK.
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Innovate Local
Working alongside partners, businesses and stakeholders, Innovate UK hosts this series of events to help innovative businesses maximise their success.