Innovate UK Launchpads – £75m investment across eight UK regions.
On Monday 23 October 2023 three regional Launchpads funded by Innovate UK are opening for applications, in close collaboration with local leadership. A further five Launchpad competitions will open on Monday 30 October 2023.
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, such as access to innovation finance or 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.
The competition for funding opens on 23 October 2023 and closes 6 December 2023 for the following regional clusters.
- 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.
- 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.
- Immersive and Creative Industries Launchpad - Centered 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).
The competition for funding opens on 30 October 2023 and closes 13 December 2023 for the following regional clusters.
- Bio-based Manufacturing Launchpad - Positioned in Scotland, this Launchpad will drive innovations in bio-based manufacturing, promoting sustainable production methods.
- 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.
- Life and Health Sciences Launchpad – Situated in Northern Ireland, this Launchpad is dedicated to the advancement of healthcare solutions and medical breakthroughs.
- Health Technologies Launchpad - Focused in West Yorkshire, this Launchpad is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in health technologies, improving healthcare outcomes.
- 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.