Innovation is the successful development and introduction of new ideas.

Traditionally this has meant ideas for science and technology but now it’s much broader – taking in new products, new services, new ways of running business, new ways of doing business and more.

Innovation is an increasingly important way for businesses to maintain a competitive advantage and achieve their growth potential. In a global economy where competing on cost is becoming more and more limited, innovation becomes a key differentiator.

For more information on how we are investing in innovation in the East Midlands click HERE to view the Regional Innovation Strategy and Action Plan.

The Technology Framework for the East Midlands has been launched.

To support the Innovation Strategy, we have developed a Technology Framework to identify and prioritise technology investments in the East Midlands. Through a process of research and independent consultation, five priority technology areas have been identified as those that are likely to be most important to the future prosperity of the East Midlands. The framework details the importance of the priority technologies, their current position in the region’s economy and their exploitation opportunities.

Please click HERE to view the Technology Framework for the East Midlands.

As part implementing the Technology Framework, we are launching the first call for funding applications. The first two technology areas to be supported within this call are:

• Biotechnology and Therapeutics
• Information and Communications Technologies

Future calls will be announced on this website.

Please click HERE to download the Invitation to Apply for Grant Funding which has details of both grants.

For Demonstration Grants:
Please click HERE to download the Expression of Interest Form.
Please click HERE to download the Expression of Interest Guidance.
Please click HERE to view the Targetry Output Framework.

For Pathfinder Grants:
Please click HERE to download the Pathfinder Application Form.
Please click HERE to download the Pathfinder Proposal Guidance.
Please click HERE to download Pathfinders - A Quick Guide.

A summary version of the Technology Framework is available to download by clicking HERE.

Your first port of call for innovation

We will continue to develop this website to become the focal point for innovation within the East Midlands, as well as the natural point of contact for anyone outside of the region with an interest in innovation. You will be able to find information on a range of innovation topics, facts, figures and support in the East Midlands and links to other related sites.

This website will also be home to information and updates on the regional innovation Festival (iFestival). Clicking on the iFestival logo on the left will provide you with up-to-date iFestival information.

We want to develop an innovation community that works together to bring bright ideas to life and create a great future for the East Midlands. To this end, we will be providing valuable information, connections and opportunities along four key themes:

The Exchange

Creating and driving forward collaborations between business people and researchers

The Support

Helping businesses to nurture new ideas and maximise their money-making potential

The Network

Building an inclusive, inspiring and celebratory environment throughout the region

The Future

Capitalising on new opportunities to ensure our businesses stay ahead of the competition.

Click on the images to the left to learn more about these areas.