Local leaders across the UK can now bid for up to £20 million each in a new government-backed competition to support cutting-edge research and innovation, aimed at saving lives, creating jobs, and driving regional growth.
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, launched by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), invites regional partnerships – including local authorities, universities and businesses – to apply for funding to turn existing research breakthroughs into real-world solutions.
This initiative supports the government’s Plan for Change and forms part of the record £86 billion R&D settlement through to 2030, a key pillar of the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy.
The fund is designed to help regions build on their existing strengths, whether they be in clean transport, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, or life sciences.
Local leaders are best placed to identify opportunities and deliver innovation that benefits their communities. Consortiums of all sizes are encouraged to apply, ensuring inclusive access across the UK.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, 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.”
Ten regions have already received backing through the fund, including:
- Greater Manchester, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire
- Glasgow City Region
- Cardiff Capital Region
- Belfast–Derry/Londonderry Corridor
Each has been earmarked for at least £30 million to invest in local innovation strengths. The Innovation Accelerators programme, which inspired this approach, has already attracted £140 million in private investment and created hundreds of jobs.
This new competition offers a transformational opportunity for regions ready to unlock their innovation potential and deliver economic growth and public benefit.
Image credit: iStock
