North West England
We are driving local impact across the North West through key programmes like our Innovation Accelerator and Launchpad.
The North West England Innovation Landscape
As the UK’s innovation system, we work across the country. We also know that each part of the country is unique with its own strengths and challenges. We are committed to working closely with partners and regional initiatives to ensure you get what you need to innovate and succeed.
The North West of England is renowned for connectivity and industry, best exemplified by its trademark canals, railways and factories. In the 21st century the area has been transformed into one of the UK’s leading technology hubs, digital, creative and media industries. With a GVA of £174bn, a population of 7.4m, 513K businesses, 10% of all the UK, and 3.5m employees, the Northwest is home to a thriving and rapidly expanding tech ecosystem.
MediaCityUK at Salford Quays is a prominent hub for media and digital businesses with a major presence from the BBC, with nine of the UK’s tech unicorns based within the region. The North West has established its credentials with success stories across multiple innovative industries.
We work collaboratively with the Mayoral Combined Authorities in the North West; Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region. The collaborative relationship is underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Innovate UK.
In 2022, Innovate UK and Liverpool Combined Authority agreed a landmark partnership aimed at accelerating business innovation. The partnership is also delivering the Manufacturing Launchpad in Liverpool City Region supported by Lyva Labs.
REGIONAL ACTION PLAN
Partnering with Liverpool City Region to drive local impact
The pioneering Partnership Agreement between Innovate UK and the Liverpool City Region spearheads a bold new mission: systematic collaboration between national agencies and local leaders to ignite innovation ecosystems nationwide. Together, we will leverage the region’s distinctive assets to maximise impact, transforming this historic hub into a forward-looking hotbed of innovation.
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Accelerating Action on Social and Business Innovation for a Greener and Fairer Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester and Innovate UK are forging a partnership to spur innovation and economic growth in the North West and UK-wide. Their joint MOU emphasises social and business innovation, aiming to bolster research, partnerships, investment, and job creation. Priorities include green growth, advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and inclusive prosperity. Central to this strategic partnership is the spirit of co-creation between Innovate UK and local leadership to catalyse innovation.
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Innovation Accelerator programme
Greater Manchester is one of the three city regions, investing a share of £100m to grow jobs, skills, and the economy through the flagship Innovation Accelerator programme. Innovate UK, on behalf of UK Research & Innovation, has worked in partnership with Greater Manchester to co-create the programme and identify 10 ambitious local projects over 2 years. These projects are delivered collectively against an agreed set of objectives.
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Related programmes
Net Zero Living
Innovate UK’s £60 million, three-year Net Zero Living programme aims to help regional authorities and businesses accelerate the transition to net zero, across the UK and internationally.
Create Growth Programme
Helping businesses in England convert their creative potential into creative growth.
Innovate Local
Working alongside partners, businesses and stakeholders, Innovate UK hosts this series of events to help innovative businesses maximise their success.
Related Case Studies
Related News
08/11/2023
New innovative projects funded in Liverpool City Region
Grants of between £93,000 and £496,000 have been offered to 13 Liverpool City Region projects in the final round of Innovate UK’s launchpad programme, designed to drive innovation across all parts of the UK.
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19/10/2023
Innovate UK brings together experts at a UK-South Africa Energy Exchange workshop
On 28th September 2023, the Global Alliance Africa project, delivered by Innovate UK, held an Energy Exchange workshop in Cape Town, South Africa to bring together British and South African experts in green hydrogen, electric vehicles and renewable energy.
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CONTACT US
Get support with your innovation
Engage with us wherever you are, for region-specific innovation, collaboration, and investment opportunities.