Innovate UK Launchpads

Innovate UK Launchpads

Eight more Launchpads funded by Innovate UK are opening for applications, in close collaboration with local leadership. 

Each Launchpad supports a geographic cluster and is open to businesses of all sizes (including SMEs and large businesses), providing innovation funding, support, and networking opportunities to help businesses to innovate, grow and scale their businesses.

Launchpads are tailored to cater to a specific innovation cluster, addressing some of the key challenges facing SMEs in the cluster, which may be access to innovation finance and collaboration. 

Within a Launchpad, we will support the cluster of businesses, adapting standard Innovate UK products and services to meet the unique demands of the cluster.  

Launchpads align with the Government’s goals in the Levelling Up White Paper. 

The Launchpads are focused on the following clusters:

Net Zero Industry Launchpad – Located in South West Wales, this Launchpad is dedicated to the pursuit of sustainable solutions in the realm of net-zero industrial emissions.  

Click here for more information and to apply

Digital Technologies Launchpad – Positioned in North East England, this Launchpad will be at the forefront of digital technologies applied into fast growth and emerging markets.  

Click here for more information and to apply

Health Technologies Launchpad – Based in West Yorkshire, this Launchpad is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in health technologies, improving healthcare outcomes.  

Click here for more information and to apply

Agri-tech and Food Tech Launchpad – Nestled in Eastern England, this Launchpad will revolutionise agri-tech and food technology, driving innovation in food production and sustainability.  

Click here for more information and to apply

Marine and Maritime Launchpad – Located in the Great South West, this Launchpad will support initiatives in marine and maritime industries, fostering growth and sustainability in this sector.  

Click here for more information and to apply

Bio-based Manufacturing Launchpad – Positioned in Scotland, this Launchpad will drive innovations in bio-based manufacturing, promoting sustainable production methods.  

Click here for more information and to apply

Immersive and Creative Industries Launchpad – Centred on Coventry and Warwickshire in the West Midlands, this Launchpad will champion technologies for the creative industries and immersive experiences, paving the way for groundbreaking innovations.  Innovate UK will deliver this Launchpad in collaboration with the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). 

Click here for more information and to apply

Life and Health Sciences Launchpad – Situated in Northern Ireland, this Launchpad is dedicated to the advancement of healthcare solutions and medical breakthroughs. 

Click here for more information and to apply

These eight new Launchpads follow on from the successful pilot programmes in 2022 for the Advanced Manufacturing cluster in Liverpool City Region and the Net Zero cluster in Tees Valley. 

A co-developed programme

Each unique Launchpad has been co-developed with the local leadership in the area. By working closely together we are developing a support offer that addresses the cluster’s specific needs and is embedded in the local innovation ecosystem. 

How they work

Each Launchpad supports businesses on their innovation projects and to collaborate and contribute to a supportive ecosystem. Several different types of support will be offered, including funding for research and development, access to innovation specialist support, and opportunities to network and collaborate. The support will enable the development of new products or services and the testing and validation of innovations by Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs). 

In addition to providing direct support to innovative organisations, each Launchpad will stimulate innovation and growth within the local economy. By supporting emerging clusters of innovate businesses, and working in co-creation with the location’s local leadership, Innovate UK aims for more places in the UK to host world-leading and globally connected innovation clusters. 

Who can apply

To be eligible within an Innovate UK Launchpad competition, organisations must be based in the UK and able to demonstrate a strong potential for growth and innovation. You must be active or growing your work activities in the Launchpad’s cluster, with an opportunity to support economic growth in the local area. 

Competition Dates

• Launchpad: agri-tech and food tech in Eastern England 
• Launchpad: marine and maritime in the Great South West 
• Launchpad: immersive & creative, centred on Coventry & Warwickshire 

The competition for funding opens week commencing 23 October 2023 and closes 6 December 2023 

• Launchpad: bio-based manufacturing in Scotland 
• Launchpad: net zero industry in South West Wales 
• Launchpad: life and health sciences in Northern Ireland 
• Launchpad: health technology, West Yorkshire 
• Launchpad: digital technologies, North East England 

The competition for funding opens week commencing 30 October 2023 and closes 13 December 2023 

Visit our funding pages to find out about all of the Launchpad opportunities