Wales

Working collaboratively with Welsh Government, we are connecting national to local across Wales.

The Wales 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.

Wales has a rich history of industrial innovation, spanning over three centuries. It played a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, which forever transformed Britain and the world. Since then, Wales has continued to make remarkable strides in research, development, and innovation across various sectors. Notably, there are well-established clusters in MedTech, Aerospace, Compound Semiconductors, Creative Industries, Photonics, and the emerging fields of AgriTech and Net Zero.

We work closely with Welsh Government and other key players in the nation to provide a clear, consistent and effective route to access innovation support mechanisms. The talent pool in Wales is diverse, with individuals from all walks of life contributing their skills and expertise. We are committed to understanding the gaps in innovation skills, and implementing inclusive programmes to address the inequalities and disadvantages faced by communities in Wales.

REGIONAL ACTION PLAN

Innovate UK and Wales Collaborative Innovation Plan

This revolutionary Collaborative Innovation Plan between Innovate UK and Welsh Government recognises Wales’ agile, inclusive innovation ecosystems and leverages its strengths in Aerospace, Creative Industries, and more to achieve economic growth.. Together they connect support, stimulate innovation, and share data to embed a culture of innovation. Watch the Wales Collaboration Innovation Plan Highlights video, and download the Action Plan.

[To read the Action Plan in Welsh please download our Welsh language version] Cynllun Arloesi Cydweithredol i Gymru.

Download Action Plan
Launchpads programme

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. Partnering with Welsh Government, we have the Net Zero Industry Launchpad in South West Wales. This Launchpad will be supported by Net Zero Industry Wales. We are also delivering the Agri-Food Launchpad in Mid and North Wales that was announced in the UK Government Spring Budget 2024.

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Net Zero Adopt and Accelerate

We provide support for local and regional organisations, businesses, and innovations across the UK, to identify ecosystem level opportunities. We facilitate connections and collaborations that support uptake of Net Zero solutions, and encourage the creation of local innovation ecosystems building on regional strengths. By strengthening innovation communities in specific areas, we aim to create sustainable, localised solutions to address environmental challenges and drive economic growth nationwide.

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Net Zero Adopt and Accelerate

Related programmes

Net Zero Living

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.

Innovate Local

Innovate Local

Working alongside partners, businesses and stakeholders, Innovate UK hosts this series of events to help innovative businesses maximise their success.

OPPORTUNITIES

Explore regional opportunities in Wales

Explore opportunities

Related Case Studies

Scaleup Programme puts cleantech company ICAX in a strong position

Scaleup Programme puts cleantech company ICAX in a strong position

Joining Innovate UK’s Scaleup Programme has put the cleantech company ICAX in a very strong position to take its new domestic heat pump product to market.

Transforming prostate cancer diagnosis through AI-powered pathology analysis

Transforming prostate cancer diagnosis through AI-powered pathology analysis

Ibex Medical Analytics responded to an NHS Wales Challenge issued by Contracts for Innovation to improve response times to prostate biopsies. Their Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology solution automatically analyses and categorises digital images of pathology samples and so far, has helped identify 13% more prostate cancers in Wales.

MDF Recovery: World’s first continuous technology to recycle MDF waste

MDF Recovery: World’s first continuous technology to recycle MDF waste

MDF Recovery (MDFR), based in Anglesey, North Wales, has successfully completed proof of concept trials and is now actively scaling up the process that will allow the recovery of wood fibre from waste MDF.

Related News

Innovate Local: Wales - Wrexham hosts key players in Welsh innovation

26/11/2024

Innovate Local: Wales - Wrexham hosts key players in Welsh innovation

Celebrating the progress and potential of Wales’s innovation ecosystem

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Welsh Government teams up with Innovate UK to embed a culture of innovation in Wales

16/10/2023

Welsh Government teams up with Innovate UK to embed a culture of innovation in Wales

Innovate UK and the Welsh Government have announced a new strategic partnership to catalyse innovation in Wales.

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Engage with us wherever you are, for region-specific innovation, collaboration, and investment opportunities.

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