In a major boost for regional innovation and economic development, local leaders could receive at least £30 million each to accelerate transformative science and technology projects tailored to local strengths. Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Secretary Peter Kyle MP, the initiative is part of a wider £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, designed to fuel regional growth and deliver the UK government’s ambitious Plan for Change.
Regional innovation backed by £30 million each
The latest funding announcement includes support for the Glasgow City Region, Cardiff Capital Region, and Belfast/Derry-Londonderry, joining seven English regions already backed under this initiative. The fund allows local authorities, businesses, and research institutions to collaborate and invest in innovation that aligns with existing regional expertise, from AI and life sciences to green energy and advanced engineering.
This funding aims to empower local leaders to identify and scale up projects that can create jobs, spur private investment, and address major societal challenges, including health, climate change, and digital security. The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will soon publish guidance for other regions to bid for funding, ensuring that high-potential areas not yet funded can also benefit.
Building on Proven Innovation Success
The announcement follows the success of the Innovation Accelerators programme, which has already attracted over £140 million in private investment and supported hundreds of jobs. Notable successes include:
- Greater Manchester’s Advanced Diagnostics Accelerator, speeding up heart and lung disease detection.
- Glasgow research teams pioneering early detection methods for colon cancer.
- Moonbility in the West Midlands, leveraging AI to optimise train travel and reduce passenger delays.
- Future Homes in Manchester, where researchers are collaborating with housebuilders to tackle climate change and improve housing energy efficiency.
These examples highlight the fund’s potential to boost innovation and tackle real-world challenges at the local level.
Tailored strategies for each region
Each region can choose which sectors to prioritise based on their strengths. For instance:
- Cardiff Capital Region may build on its electric vehicle sector to lead on sustainable transport.
- Belfast and Derry-Londonderry could enhance Northern Ireland’s cybersecurity capabilities.
- Glasgow might continue its legacy of medical breakthroughs using cutting-edge technology.
This place-based approach ensures that science and technology funding reaches every corner of the UK, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Driving growth through collaboration
The initiative has been praised by leaders such as Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, who highlighted the importance of university-business partnerships in driving regional innovation. From Space Park Leicester to AI and diagnostics hubs, universities are key players in strengthening local economies and equipping the workforce with future-ready skills.
As part of a record £86 billion investment in UK research and development by 2030, the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund is a bold step towards delivering the government’s modern Industrial Strategy—powering economic growth through science, innovation, and regional empowerment.
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