Innovation Connect Programme
Innovation Connect is delivered by the University of Lincoln to help Greater Lincolnshire businesses develop new ideas, address innovation challenges and explore opportunities for growth. Through workshops, events and match-funded innovation projects, businesses can develop ideas, build knowledge and access University of Lincoln academic expertise and specialist knowledge to explore, test and take forward innovation opportunities.
The programme is funded by the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority and led by Lincolnshire County Council.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is aimed at businesses based in Greater Lincolnshire that are looking to explore new ideas, address business challenges or develop opportunities for innovation and growth. Businesses can engage through workshops, events and opportunities to collaborate with University of Lincoln academics through match-funded innovation projects
What Support is provided?
Innovation Connect supports businesses to develop ideas, explore innovation opportunities and connect with relevant University of Lincoln expertise through:
- Workshops and events focused on developing innovation ideas, knowledge and skills.
- Networking opportunities with academics, businesses and others involved in innovation.
- Match-funded innovation projects enabling businesses to work with University of Lincoln academics on specific challenges, ideas or opportunities.
For innovation projects, micro businesses and SMEs contribute 33% of the project cost, with 67% funded through the programme. Large businesses contribute 50%, with the remaining 50% funded through the programme, while charities and not-for-profit organisations contribute 25%, with 75% funded through the programme.
The programme is designed to help businesses develop ideas, access University expertise and build collaborative relationships that can support future innovation and growth.
Why access this support?
Innovation Connect is designed to support businesses looking to innovate, whether they already have a specific idea or challenge, or are exploring where new approaches could add value.
Workshops and events will help businesses develop ideas, build relevant skills, explore new approaches and create networking opportunities with academics and other businesses.
Match-funded projects can support a broad range of activity, including feasibility work, research into new areas, data exploration, prototype development, testing, validation and other activities shaped around the business challenge or opportunity.
The programme also provides access to University of Lincoln academic expertise, helping businesses explore and develop opportunities while building relationships that may lead to longer-term collaboration through consultancy, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), contract research or other innovation funding.
How to access this programme?
Businesses interested in Innovation Connect can contact the team at: innovateconnect@lincoln.ac.uk for information, support or to register their interest in upcoming workshops, events and innovation projects.
Workshops and events will be promoted through the Innovation Connect LinkedIn page, Lincolnshire County Council channels and, where appropriate, University of Lincoln channels.
For match-funded innovation projects, the Business Engagement Manager will support businesses to explore their innovation needs, connect with relevant University of Lincoln academic expertise and develop a suitable project application. Applications will then be submitted to a panel for review and decision.