The Innovation Accelerator pilot programme, supported by the Government, has made a strong impact on regional economies. It has helped secure over £140 million in new investments and created up to 250 full-time equivalent jobs across the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, and the Glasgow City Region.
The programme began in April 2022. It is funded by Innovate UK in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). This pilot tests a new funding approach, designed with local leaders to speed up growth in high-potential industries and use regional strengths effectively.
In the Glasgow City Region, the programme showcases the success of the “triple helix” model. This model brings together support from the public sector, academic expertise, and private investment. This collaboration helps speed up innovation, creates quality jobs, builds sustainable supply chains, and has attracted over £47 million in private investment so far.
Greater Manchester is focusing on its strengths in advanced materials, manufacturing, digital technology, low carbon solutions, and health innovation. The programme also emphasizes social inclusion. The Centre for Digital Innovation offers skills training and community outreach across all 10 boroughs through further education colleges. The Turing Innovation Catalyst helps people from underrepresented groups start careers in artificial intelligence (AI).
In the West Midlands, the programme supports research and development in greener technologies and personalized digital healthcare. It helps diversify the economy and strengthen supply chains. By the end of 2025, the programme is expected to create 161 jobs in the region. The pilot started with £100 million in funding and secured an additional £30 million for 2025/26. It continues to drive regional growth and innovation ecosystems, bringing new technologies, products, and services to market.
Innovative Projects Across Regions
In the West Midlands, the Clean Futures programme developed a new coating to extend the life of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. It also helped the startup Moonbility create an AI “digital twin” platform to help rail operators respond quickly to disruptions, tested with London North Eastern Railway.
In Greater Manchester, MediaCities’ Immersive Tech Innovation Hub is advancing immersive technologies in creative industries. It promotes collaboration across disciplines and supports research and development that addresses real-world challenges. This work also helps drive inclusive economic growth through creative innovation.
In the Glasgow City Region, the Critical Technologies Accelerator (CTA) strengthens Glasgow’s leadership in photonics, semiconductors, and quantum technologies. It supports local companies to develop advanced hardware for space, secure communications, sensing, and next-generation electronics. The programme has helped launch two spin-outs—Kelvin Quantum and Quantcore—and fostered industry partnerships to speed up commercialization and open new markets.
Future Funding and Economic Growth
Building on this success, the Government plans to invest up to £500 million through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. This fund is part of a larger £86 billion research and development (R&D) budget announced before the Spending Review. The aim is to boost fast-growing sectors like tech, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and defense.
This fund will give local leaders more power to direct research investments in their regions. It aims to create high-skilled jobs and encourage economic growth. This aligns with the Government’s Plan for Change.
Statements from Officials
Science Minister Lord Vallance said, “These results show how local leaders can use their knowledge to build on regional strengths, improve lives, and create new jobs—from healthcare to space technology, manufacturing, and AI. The Government will expand these efforts in Glasgow, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands, with up to £500 million more for local partnerships across the UK.”
Dean Cook, executive director for Place and Global at Innovate UK, said, “The Innovation Accelerator pilot has shown the power of place-based innovation to unlock economic potential and transform regional R&D ecosystems. By focusing on the unique strengths of each region, we have seen innovation clusters grow, attract investment, create new products, and deliver hundreds of high-value jobs.
“Our approach is based on co-creation, valuing the knowledge of local people who understand their areas best. Innovate UK connects these regional clusters to national and international networks. The pilot is a strategic commitment to building thriving innovation hubs that support long-term prosperity for the UK.”
