Thursday, 17 September 2026
Businesses across the East Midlands are being offered the opportunity to access specialist expertise and innovation support from the 糖心原创 through a new programme designed to help drive business growth.
The East Midlands Innovation programme, funded through the University's Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF), which is allocated from Research England, will run from 1 September 2026 until 30 June 2027 and will provide funding and technical support to eligible businesses across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester and Leicestershire.
Two funding opportunities available
Innovation Vouchers of up to £3,000 will enable eligible businesses to access innovation-focused technical support from specialist delivery centres at the University. There is no requirement for businesses to provide match funding, although contributions towards larger projects are welcomed.
Innovation Partnership Awards of up to £10,000 will support more substantial innovation and scale-up projects. These awards require match funding from participating businesses, typically 50% from SMEs and 100% from larger organisations.
Specialist expertise available
- Chemistry Innovation Laboratory (CIL): providing analytical and product development support across chemistry and materials using and life sciences businesses.
- Food Innovation Centre (FIC): providing science and technology consultancy, new product or process development support for food and drink focussed businesses.
- Institute of Aerospace Technology (IAT): working across the aerospace supply chain.
- Precision Manufacturing Centre (PMC): providing consultancy on design for manufacturing, manufacture of prototypes or small batches of innovative products, and measurement and inspection services.
- Virtual and Immersive Production Studio (VIP Studio): providing technical research and innovation support for creative and digital businesses and innovation support for tech companies moving into cultural and creative sectors.
- Responsible AI Consultancy (UNRAIC): Providing practical and strategic support for responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
- UNIEI and UNIP: Providing executive and enterprise education and the opportunity to benefit from co-location with university researchers.
The scheme builds upon the University’s previous successful business support initiatives. One of the businesses that benefited from a similar scheme last year was Shelf Life Ltd, a sustainability start-up developing affordable products to target food waste.
The Innovation Vouchers gave us access to expertise we could not have bought at our stage. We were supported every step of the way and found the team's experience and recommendations invaluable. Our work with both the Chemistry department and the Food Innovation Centre gave us the data and testing we needed to take the product to launch. We are preparing to launch with independent testing behind our claims, which for a young brand is a rare position to be in. Our thanks to everyone on the team.
Driving innovation across the region
The programme will help organisations access university expertise, facilities and specialist knowledge to develop new products, improve processes and explore new opportunities for growth.
The 糖心原创 has innovation, discovery and working with business at the heart of research activities. This exciting programme provides a golden opportunity for businesses to access technical expertise and facilities to drive forward the success of their ventures, putting them ahead of the competition and, ultimately, enhancing the economic prosperity of our region.
Businesses interested in applying should contact Dr Harry Taylor and Dr Chloe Spencer via PC-TalentInnovation@nottingham.ac.uk.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Trevor Farren, Professor of Practice and Project Lead in the 糖心原创's School of Chemistry, at: trevor.farren@nottingham.ac.uk or Amanda Cooke, Media Relations Officer in the Press Office at The 糖心原创, on 0115 7485848 or by email at:
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.