University launches innovation growth platform

A North East university is launching a new business-focused initiative designed to speed up collaboration, investment and commercial growth across the region.

Newcastle University has unveiled Newcastle Innovations, a new platform created to simplify how businesses, investors and external partners access the institution’s research, expertise and commercial support.

The initiative brings together the University’s innovation, partnership and commercialisation activity under a single brand, offering organisations clearer routes into collaboration opportunities ranging from applied research and specialist facilities to workforce development and investment in high-growth spin-outs.

Estelle Blanks, director of Newcastle Innovations, at Newcastle University said: “From a business perspective, the idea is simple - a clear route into expertise, talent, facilities, and partnerships.

“We are responding directly to feedback from industry, so that more companies can access our support and expertise to accelerate growth, attract investment and create a skilled workforce.”

Newcastle Innovations launches with a strong existing track record behind it. 

Newcastle University currently has 42 active spin-out businesses, which have attracted more than £90 million in investment over the past two years while creating more than 370 jobs.

The University already works with organisations including Procter & Gamble, Siemens and Curium Pharma alongside SMEs, scale-ups and public sector bodies across the UK and internationally.

Key programmes linked to the initiative include the National Innovation Centre for Data and the Arrow programme, both designed to help businesses improve productivity, develop new products and unlock growth opportunities.

Professor Jane Robinson, pro‑vice‑chancellor for business, partnerships and place at Newcastle University, added: “Partnership working is at the heart of what we do. Newcastle Innovations is about removing barriers to turn ideas into impact.

“We are making it easier for organisations to collaborate with us locally, nationally and internationally, to deliver innovation and growth and tangible benefits for businesses, communities and society.”

The National Innovation Centre for Data has already supported the creation of around 1500 jobs and is forecast to contribute £742 million to the North East economy over the next decade.

Newcastle Innovations was officially launched at the Catalyst building on Newcastle Helix during an event attended by more than 170 businesses and external partners.

Among the organisations involved is Pentland, owner of Sunderland-headquartered outdoor clothing and equipment brand Berghaus, which collaborated with Newcastle University researchers to develop new legwear technology designed specifically around women’s movement and comfort.

Sam Munson, new product development lead at Pentland Group, added: “Our collaboration with Newcastle University has been a fantastic example of how industry and academia can work together to better solve challenges real people experience in the outdoors. 

“Working with Newcastle University brought a level of scientific rigour and technical expertise that was invaluable to this project, helping us to push our innovation further and better support women as they hike.”

Businesses, investors and organisations interested in collaborating with Newcastle Innovations can find out more here.

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