The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced that local leaders across the country can now bid for support of up to £20 million each in a new competition.
DSIT Research funding body UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is inviting a broad range of local and regional partnerships to bid for government funding to support research and innovation projects in their area through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.
The funding will be used to provide regional expertise to deliver cutting-edge research that could save lives and create jobs, DSIT stated.
The competition will back partnerships that can turn existing research breakthroughs into practical solutions that create jobs and improve people’s lives, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.
DSIT also stated that consortiums of various forms are encouraged to apply, to ensure regions across the length and breadth of the UK are supported to develop new innovations and drive regional growth.
UK science and technology secretary Liz Kendall said: “This fund is our Plan for Change in action. It empowers local leaders, researchers, and businesses with skin in the game to deliver transformational research that creates jobs and improves lives in their area.
“Ten regions already have our support and will be able to deliver game-changing innovations to benefit their communities.
“Now we’re extending this opportunity to the rest of the country, and I encourage partnerships everywhere to come forward, and show how they can unlock their local expertise to create tomorrow’s innovations.”
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