Funding for local leaders to boost innovation

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is inviting a broad range of local and regional partnerships to bid for government funding to support research and innovation projects in their area through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.

Leaders can bid for up to £20 million of support in each new competition.

The competition is designed to back partnerships that can turn existing research breakthroughs into practical solutions that create jobs and improve people’s lives.

It is aimed at helping regions across the UK build on their existing strength.

Ten regions across the UK have already received backing through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, including established innovation hubs in England such as Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire.

Each of these areas has already been earmarked for at least £30 million to invest in their regional innovation strengths.

Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "This fund is our Plan for Change in action. It empowers local leaders, researchers, and businesses with skin in the game to deliver transformational research that creates jobs and improves lives in their area.

"Ten regions already have our support and will be able to deliver game-changing innovations to benefit their communities.

"Now we’re extending this opportunity to the rest of the country, and I encourage partnerships everywhere to come forward, and show how they can unlock their local expertise to create tomorrow’s innovations."