Innovation Exchange

Innovate UK Innovation Exchange (iX) fast-tracks knowledge transfer nationwide by matching industry challenges with trailblazing companies across different sectors. Our network accelerates innovation through connection and collaboration.

Knowledge exchange is the key to transformative innovation

Through our extensive and diverse network, our sector experts act as a matchmaker, facilitating the transfer of innovative solutions. We bridge the gap between the challenges faced by industry and the trailblazing companies and innovators already innovating towards solutions.

Our secret? A distinctive cross-sector capability that taps into the power of collaboration, offering unique technical solutions sourced from a variety of industries beyond your usual sector supply chains.

Discover the gateway to resolving real technical challenges

  • Exclusive access to a vast network of solution providers;
  • The power to execute projects swiftly and seamlessly;
  • A personalised, transparent filtering service that consistently delivers real and impactful results.

Innovation Exchange - video overview

Explore the potential benefits of cross-sector collaborations

Our past projects to delve into the challenges faced by the holders and get a better understanding of our tailored process, connecting them with solution providers, and the great impact generated.

View case studies

Impact figures

Challenges delivered

250+

Challenges delivered

Business collaborations

1000+

Business collaborations

Applicants supported

3000+

Applicants supported

Contracts generated

150+

Contracts generated

You are a challenge holder

You are a challenge holder

You’ll access solutions for your challenges from beyond your current reach, tapping into a new provider network, and enabling faster, more efficient project deliveries through a customised and transparent selection process.

Learn more about being a challenge holder in our video summary.

Contact us

You are a potential solution provider

You’ll gain access to new markets and specialised expertise, enabling faster market entry or new collaborations elevating the visibility of your innovation, nurturing a strong brand reputation, and driving increased revenue streams.

Learn more about being a solution provider in our video summary.

Register your interest
You are a potential solution provider

Funding opportunities

Innovation Exchange Challenge: Measurement of coated glass temperature within the furnace/manufacturing process
Pilkington are looking for technology for accurate & reliable measurement of coated glass temperature.
17 days left to apply
Innovation Exchange Challenge: Valorisation of paint waste from vessel and equipment cleaning
PPG seek innovators who can valorise paint waste from vessel and equipment cleaning, aiming  to find a sustainable and circular solution for the solid waste.
17 days left to apply
Innovation Exchange challenge: Heat recovery and process efficiency optimisation in advanced plasma coating manufacturing
Zircotec is seeking a practical, scalable solution to optimise energy efficiency by better use and management of heat in its operations.
17 days left to apply
Innovation Exchange challenge: Binders or resins for recyclable biocomposite panels
The challenge is to identify and test a binder system (or alternative bio-resin or natural resin solution) that enables the product to be recycled or reprocessed.
17 days left to apply
Component-level energy monitoring for greener IT operations
The iX programme is supporting Digital Tactics to find innovators who can develop a compact, non-invasive solution for monitoring energy use at a component level inside workstations. The solution will support the GreenCode programme’s goal of reducing software-related energy consumption and may be
12 days left to apply

Discover our latest challenges on the Innovation Exchange platform

Innovation Exchange (iX) is an exclusive Innovate UK programme designed to connect businesses with cutting-edge solutions to their challenges, delivered at an accelerated pace.

Explore challenges

Who we've worked with


Close

Connect with Innovate UK Business Connect

Join Innovate UK Business Connect's mailing list to receive updates on funding opportunities, events and to access Innovate UK Business Connect's deep expertise. Please check your email to confirm your subscription and select your area(s) of interest.