The North East is set for a major innovation-led economic boost after North East Mayor Kim McGuinness unveiled a new multi-million-pound programme designed to connect world-class university research with pioneering businesses across the region.
Four flagship projects will receive a share of £23.7 million through the Government's Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, helping to unlock a further £55 million in private sector investment.
The programme is expected to stimulate regional growth, create hundreds of high-value jobs, develop new facilities and strengthen supply chains across North East England. The announcement coincides with Innovate UK's Innovation Forum: North East, which is taking place in Newcastle and brings together business leaders, investors and innovation experts to explore how cutting-edge research can drive economic growth.
North East Centre for Accelerating the Green Economy
Led by Procter & Gamble, this project brings together three North East universities and a network of innovative SMEs. The partnership will focus on accelerating research and development of next-generation clean chemicals, supporting the region's transition to a greener economy.
North East Vision for High Value Materials Innovation Acceleration
Directed by CPI, the initiative will collaborate with two Catapults, all four North East universities and a range of high-growth businesses. The project will help companies scale new technologies across priority sectors including semiconductors, battery systems and low-carbon materials.
Project Sycamore
Led by Low Carbon Materials, a Durham University spin-out, Project Sycamore aims to establish the UK's first dedicated hub for carbon-negative advanced materials. The initiative will scale up innovative additives used in concrete and asphalt, helping the construction sector reduce emissions while supporting sustainable development.
Centre for Realisation and Advancement of Future Technologies
Led by Durham University, this project will strengthen the North East's role in both space and fusion research. It is expected to attract significant private sector investment while accelerating the deployment of next-generation technologies with global commercial potential.
Supporting Long-Term Regional Growth
The funding forms part of the Government's £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, delivered through UK Research and Innovation. The programme is designed to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems by bringing together local authorities, businesses, universities and research organisations to build on existing sector strengths.
By supporting innovation-led productivity and attracting both public and private investment, the fund aims to drive sustainable economic growth across every region of the UK.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said:
"The North East is at the forefront of next generation technologies. Our new programme will turbocharge innovation in North East England, boosting investment in research and development, and accelerating the delivery of our Local Growth Plan.
"This programme brings together our world-class universities with some of our most innovative, cutting-edge businesses, collaboration that will deliver hundreds of good-quality jobs for local people, major private sector investment to benefit our region’s economy, around 90 new products to market and wider benefits including new facilities and growth across the supply chain. This is great news for innovation in the region."
The announcement reinforces the North East's growing reputation as a centre for advanced manufacturing, clean technology, materials science and future energy research, positioning the region as a key driver of the UK's innovation economy.
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