New programme aims to ‘turbocharge innovation’

A multi-million-pound programme aims to “turbocharge innovation” across the North East by backing four major projects spanning clean chemicals, advanced materials, semiconductors, space and fusion technology.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has announced the first projects to be backed through the region’s Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF), which will share £23.7 million and are expected to unlock a further £55 million of private investment.

The investment is aimed at creating high-value jobs, developing new facilities and supporting economic growth through closer collaboration between businesses, universities and research organisations.

Mayor McGuinness said: “The North East is at the forefront of next generation technologies.

“Our new programme will turbocharge innovation in North East England, boosting investment in research and development, and accelerating the delivery of our Local Growth Plan.

“This programme brings together our world-class universities with some of our most innovative, cutting-edge businesses, collaboration that will deliver hundreds of good-quality jobs for local people, major private sector investment to benefit our region’s economy, around 90 new products to market and wider benefits including new facilities and growth across the supply chain.

“This is great news for innovation in the region.”

Among the first projects is the North East Centre for Accelerating the Green Economy, led by Procter & Gamble, which will bring together three regional universities and innovative SMEs to develop the next generation of clean chemicals.

Advanced materials will form another major strand of the programme, with CPI heading the North East Vision for High Value Materials Innovation Acceleration (NOVA).

The initiative will connect two Catapults, all four North East universities and high-growth businesses to help turn innovation into commercial opportunities across fields including semiconductors, battery systems and low-carbon materials.

Frank Millar, chief executive of CPI, added: “The North East has an exceptional combination of scientific expertise, innovative businesses and world-class innovation assets.

“Through NOVA, we’re proud to bring those strengths together and connect with the national materials innovation network, helping businesses scale and commercialise new technologies in areas including advanced materials, semiconductors and batteries.

“This partnership will enable private investment, increase resilience in regional supply chains and ensure innovation translates into lasting economic impact, creating high-value opportunities across the region.”

The push towards more sustainable materials will also be supported through Project Sycamore, led by Durham University spin-out Low Carbon Materials.

Its work will focus on scaling up carbon-negative additives for concrete and asphalt, helping take technology developed through research towards wider commercial use in the construction sector.

Dr. Natasha Boulding, chief executive and co-founder of Low Carbon Materials, added: “Through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and Project Sycamore, we will accelerate the development, scaling, and commercial deployment of our advanced materials to decarbonise and improve our built environment.

“With this continued support, we can bridge the gap between world-class research and commercial application, scaling our operations to drive regional economic growth, create high-value green jobs, and reinforce the North East’s position as a leader in innovation.”

The programme will reach beyond materials innovation, with Durham University also leading the Centre for Realisation and Advancement of Future Technologies (CRAFT).

Focused on space and fusion, CRAFT will seek to turn research into commercial technologies while attracting new private sector partners and investment to the region.

Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, added: “Durham University is pioneering new technological development to drive growth and prosperity in North East England.

“CRAFT will turn promising research into practical products, services, and applications, and Low Carbon Materials’ continued success is further evidence of the lasting benefit to North East England of Durham University research and commercialisation.”

Further projects are expected to join the programme later this year.

The announcement coincides with Innovate UK’s Innovation Forum: North East in Newcastle, bringing together regional leaders, businesses and investors to explore how innovation can support growth and create new opportunities.

LIPF is a £500 million UK Government programme led by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with the North East one of ten areas earmarked to receive at least £30 million over five years to develop and scale high-potential innovation clusters.

Professor Ian Chapman, chief executive of UKRI, added: “These projects in North East England are all excellent examples of what can be achieved when world-leading researchers, innovative businesses and regional partners come together around a shared ambition.

“Building on local strengths and previous UKRI investment, they will create high-quality jobs, attract investment and deliver tangible benefits for people and communities across the region.

“Through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, UKRI is supporting partnerships across the UK to build on their distinctive strengths, translating innovation into impact that advances knowledge, improves lives and drives growth.”

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