South West England
In partnership with local leaders we are driving local impact through our work in the South West of England.
The South 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.
From the first photograph to the invention of plasticine and being at the forefront of transport and infrastructure innovation since the 17th century, the region is home to the Bristol, Swindon and Gloucester triangle – Silicon Gorge, has been at the heart of innovation and creativity in the UK for a very long time.
With a GVA of £131bn, a population of 5.7m, 537 thousand businesses and 2.6m employees,
the South West of England has the largest share of businesses actively engaged in innovation. This equates to an impressive 41% or 9,900 businesses actively innovating in the region, with improving the quality of goods or services the key factor driving the change.
We have partnered with the West of England Combined Authority to develop the West of England Local Action Plan.
REGIONAL ACTION PLAN
Driving innovation forward in the West of England
The West of England is set to become an innovation hub, with Innovate UK and the West of England Combined Authority driving growth in key sectors like technology and clean energy. By fostering partnerships, offering support, and streamlining communication, we aim to boost intellectual property creation and regional capabilities. Watch the West of England Action Plan launch highlight video and download Action Plan.
Download Action Plan
Launchpads programme
Innovate UK Launchpad is a programme aimed at supporting emerging clusters of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. Launched in 2020, it provides funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help SMEs grow and scale their businesses. Supported by Maritime UK South West, we have the Marine and Maritime Launchpad in the Great South West. Learn more about the Launchpads programme.
Learn more
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
The Language of Care
Our purpose at Elate (formerly Cross Digital) is to empower people to live with grace, joy and dignity. Our product will be the digital aid for older people and carers, transforming how they access support services through unified care delivery, giving people more control and transparency.
University of the West of England: Using machine vision technology to monitor animal wellbeing
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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.