Newcastle University Launches Arrow and Targets North East SMEs
Published on 10/07/2018
Newcastle University recently launched its £3.4m Arrow innovation programme which aligns the needs of North East based SMEs with the university's people, skills and funding. By matching Newcastle University research, knowledge and innovation projects with regional SME needs - all in a package made easily accessible to regional SMEs - Arrow will accelerate and enhance North East economic impact.
One strand of Arrow’s support is the Innovation Catalyst. This will match North East SMEs who have the potential to conduct research and innovation into new products, processes and services with current (and future) Newcastle University capabilities and expertise in key technologies and sectors. SMEs supported by the Innovation Catalyst will work with an Innovation Associate provided by the Arrow programme who will enable an effective collaboration alongside Academic and researcher experts.
In line with the North East Local Enterprise Partnership's 'Smart Specialisation' areas, Arrow's target sectors are:
• Life sciences and healthcare
• Advanced manufacturing
• Creative and digital technologies
• Offshore, subsea and energy technologies
Emma Shorman, Acting Arrow Programme Manager explained “we see the Arrow programme as convenient way for neighbouring SMEs to access our world-leading experts, via Innovation Associates provided at no cost. This provides SMEs with a dedicated resource to focus on research and innovation, accelerating and de-risking their innovation ideas, and providing a springboard to wider opportunities such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, collaborative research funding bids, and access to talent.”
The second string to Arrow’s bow is its Innovation Accelerator which runs in parallel to the Innovation Catalyst, and will provide financial stimulus of up to £20k to support research and innovation projects between SMEs and external partners. The Innovation Accelerator will stimulate Research Innovation & Enterprise projects that are either generated from the Innovation Catalyst or generated via other University and SME interactions.
“In short, both the Innovation Catalyst and Accelerator provide business and innovation support to SMEs, with the Catalyst providing the people and the Accelerator providing the grant funding” Emma continued. “If you’re a North East SME and would like to learn more take a look at the Arrow website and get in touch with my colleagues in the Arrow team.”
To learn more about support from the Arrow project including application form and guidance for the Innovation Catalyst, please contact Colin Robertson E. colin.robertson@newcastle.ac.uk or Jonny Gray E. jonathan.gray2@newcastle.ac.uk T. 0191 208 5488.
