Grant News
Local leaders from councils, universities, and businesses across the UK are being invited to bid for up to £20 million each through a new government initiative designed to support regional research and innovation.
Managed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund invites local authorities, businesses, and universities to form ‘Triple Helix’ partnerships that drive innovation tailored to the needs of their communities.
To apply on behalf of a triple helix partnership, the applicant must be based at an eligible organisation:
- Higher education providers
- Research institutes
- Public sector research establishments
- NHS bodies
- Independent research organisations.
- A Mayoral Strategic Authority, or other local government partner that has been granted non-standard eligibility for this funding opportunity
The fund seeks to turn cutting-edge research into practical solutions that create jobs, improve quality of life, and promote regional growth - from technologies that enable faster disease diagnosis to cleaner transport systems and the development of entirely new industries.
The primary objectives of the fund are to:
- foster the growth of mature innovation clusters by deepening their capabilities and expanding their reach
- support emerging clusters, to grow and mature their ecosystems enhancing their capability of generating substantial economic value
- support the adoption, diffusion, and commercialisation of new technologies
- strengthen local partnerships and governance to deliver place-based innovation
Expressions of interest close on the 12th February 2026. An Earmarked Strand has already allocated £30 million in funding to support established innovation clusters in ten regions across the UK.
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