Supporting innovators through the ecosystem

Our pledgees have been supporting innovators across the ecosystem, through networking, funding opportunities and skill-sharing. Read more below:

Innovation support for regional SMEs

In July 2023, stakeholders from across the region gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, to hear about the exciting next stage of development for the innovation support project, Arrow. The event was organised by one of our Pledgees, the Innovation SuperNetwork North East England.

Arrow is part of the In-TUNE project, which is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Durham County Council and the North of Tyne Combined Authority.

Arrow provides support to SMEs who are developing innovative products. In the past four years, the programme has helped more than 150 regional SMEs, through access to academic expertise and innovation support from Newcastle University.

Event attendee, Chris Howes, Programme Manager at the HI NENC, said: “The Arrow Launch meeting gave a great opportunity to hear three key note speakers from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, Durham University, and the Arrow Team from Newcastle. It was fantastic to hear all the partnership working successes across the North East, and some of the details regarding the new Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). It was also a great opportunity to network with our Partner organisations across the Region.”

If you are working with an SME that could benefit from the programme, please encourage them to get in touch here.

Pledgee celebrates qualifications in Business Model Innovation

Pledgee, Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC, formerly AHSN NENC), recently celebrated after 16 of its staff members achieved a Level 6 Qualification in Business Model Innovation.

The qualification comprised of workshops to help the team understand the principles of business model innovation, through real-life examples and how it can apply to the health and life sciences sector.

The team has already been using their new skills to support innovators in healthcare and ultimately make a positive impact on services for patients.