£1.5m of grants announced to support innovation projects

The Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward has announced £1.5 million of grants to support a new cohort of business-led innovation projects.

Run through the East Midlands Investment Zone, the Mayor’s Innovation Accelerator Fund aims to support 32 businesses that are developing technologies which will help build the industries and supply chains that replace fossil-fuel-dependent markets, supporting the creation of jobs, investment and long-term economic growth across the region.

Mayor Claire said: “The East Midlands has all the ingredients to be a global leader in innovation, and we’re determined to make sure ambitious businesses – businesses that change the world – can thrive here.

“Through the East Midlands Investment Zone, we’re giving these companies the backing they need to develop cutting-edge technologies, bring new products to market and grow with confidence.

“Ultimately, it is being flexible and innovative that gives businesses staying power.

“As such, this investment will create skilled jobs, attract further investment, and build the industries that will shape the future of our economy for generations to come.”

Building on a successful pilot programme which funded 15 university–business collaborations in 2024/25, the latest round supports 32 businesses, ranging from early-stage startups to established global firms.

The projects span clean energy, zero-emissions propulsion, sustainable advanced manufacturing and nuclear technologies.

Together, these projects are helping regional businesses develop new products, strengthen supply chains and unlock commercial opportunities in rapidly growing clean-technology markets.

The programme continues to bring together businesses and researchers from the University of Nottingham, the University of Derby and Nottingham Trent University to accelerate innovation and shorten the path to commercial deployment.

The Innovation Accelerator Fund forms part of the East Midlands Investment Zone, a 10-year, £160 million programme to strengthen the region’s position as a centre for innovation-led growth, helping businesses develop new products, services and capabilities aligned to the region’s strengths and emerging clean technology markets.

Prof Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, University of Derby vice-chancellor and chief executive, said:  “The transition to clean energy will depend on innovation across the entire energy system, including the vital role that nuclear technologies will play in delivering reliable low-carbon power.

“These place-based projects show the value of bringing together industry and academia to develop the technologies, expertise and supply chains that will support future economic growth in the East Midlands.”