Belfast City Hall

£30 million innovation boost to power local growth and discovery

Local leaders across all four nations of the UK are now backed by at least £30 million each to drive transformative research and innovation, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has announced.

The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, worth up to £500 million, will empower regions to invest in high-growth sectors, support local expertise, and deliver real-world solutions to national challenges, while creating jobs and boosting the economy as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The latest funding allocations include Glasgow City Region, Cardiff Capital Region, and Belfast/Derry-Londonderry

Each will receive at least £30 million, following collaboration between the UK Government and devolved administrations. This builds on support already announced for seven English regions, including Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and the North East.

The fund builds on the success of the Innovation Accelerators programme, which has already attracted £140 million in private investment, created hundreds of jobs, and delivered breakthroughs in healthcare, AI, transport, and green housing

Peter Kyle, Science and Technology Secretary, commented:

“All across the UK there are incredible projects and fantastic innovation taking place. We know that these are critical for the UK’s success.

“This fund now gives local leaders in every nation of the UK the chance to proudly capitalise on their city or region’s expertise, from AI to life sciences, medicines to engineering, and beyond, to make a difference to lives across the country.  

“With backing for more regions to come we can unlock the new jobs and business opportunities that are central to boosting the economic growth at the heart of our Plan for Change.”

Innovation fund QUOTE

Examples include:

  • Glasgow researchers detecting colon cancer earlier
  • Moonbility in the West Midlands using AI to manage rail disruption
  • Future Homes in Greater Manchester tackling climate change through energy-efficient housing

Local partnerships of councils, businesses, and research institutions will work with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to invest in regional priorities from early 2026. Areas could focus on:

  • Life sciences
  • Green energy
  • Cybersecurity
  • Medical technology
  • Artificial intelligence

Regions not yet allocated funding will be able to bid into a competitive process, with UKRI guidance to follow.

This investment is part of the UK’s record £86 billion R&D settlement to 2030, supporting the government’s modern Industrial Strategy and long-term economic growth.

 

Image credit: iStock

i134

Public Sector Executive Magazine

NORTHERN ARC: Linked by a Liverpool-Manchester Railway could match Oxford-Cambridge growth potential

Dive into our latest issue! 

More articles...

View all
Online conferences

Presenting

2025 Online Conferences

In partnership with our community of public sector leaders responsible for procurement and strategy across local authorities and the wider public sector, we’ve devised a collaborative calendar of conferences and events for leaders of industry to listen, learn and collaborate through engaging and immersive conversation.

All our conferences are CPD accredited, which means you can gain points to advance your career by attending our online conferences. Also, the contents are available on demand so you can re-watch at your convenience.

Public Sector Executive Podcast

Listen to industry leaders on everything within the public sector

From government policies and public administration to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we explore the challenges and innovations shaping our communities.

 

Join us as we speak with industry leaders, policymakers, and frontline professionals, providing you with valuable insights and perspectives to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most.