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
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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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.
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
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
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 (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.
CONTACT US
Get support with your innovation
Engage with us wherever you are, for region-specific innovation, collaboration, and investment opportunities.