Local leaders across the UK can now apply for up to £20 million from a new government fund, as the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund opens.
This fund supports regional research and innovation projects aimed at boosting job creation, scaling R&D, and driving long-term economic growth.
Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the fund is designed to help regions build on their existing technological capabilities. Its goal is to turn research breakthroughs into practical solutions that benefit local communities and industries.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader £86 billion R&D settlement through to 2030. It expands on the Innovation Accelerators programme, which has already generated more than £140 million in private investment and created hundreds of jobs in regions like Greater Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, and West Yorkshire. The new fund invites consortiums of local authorities, universities, and businesses to develop scalable innovation ecosystems tailored to their region’s strengths.
Sectors such as AI, digital infrastructure, clean energy, and healthtech are expected to benefit most, particularly in areas with untapped research capacity and clear industrial ambitions. The programme aims to decentralise tech funding and empower local partnerships to drive innovation beyond traditional city hubs.
Chris Davison, CEO of NavLive, commented: “One of the key lessons from COVID was that innovation isn’t confined to London or the South East. Great ideas emerge from every corner of the UK. NavLive itself began in Oxford’s research labs before attracting investor attention, proving that regional talent can drive real breakthroughs. It is therefore encouraging to see the Government committing more funding to local businesses, which too often miss out on support for technical innovation.
However, funding alone won’t unlock their full potential. To truly back emerging businesses, we need smarter regulation, stronger infrastructure, and better access to international markets, especially in Europe and the US. Only then can the UK create a level playing field for innovation nationwide.”
As the UK seeks to future-proof its economy, regional innovation funding like this will be key to ensuring the nation's digital transformation is inclusive, scalable, and locally led.