(Image: Supplied)
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has announced a new multi-million-pound innovation programme aimed at driving regional growth through cutting-edge science and research.
The programme will support projects in clean technology, advanced materials, and space research.
Four projects will share £23.7 million from the Government's Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF), unlocking an additional £55 million in private investment.
Ms McGuinness said: "The North East is at the forefront of next generation technologies.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness (Image: Supplied)
"Our new programme will turbocharge innovation in North East England, boosting investment in research and development, and accelerating the delivery of our Local Growth Plan.
"This programme brings together our world-class universities with some of our most innovative, cutting-edge businesses, collaboration that will deliver hundreds of good-quality jobs for local people, major private sector investment to benefit our region’s economy, around 90 new products to market and wider benefits including new facilities and growth across the supply chain.
"This is great news for innovation in the region."
The funding will support projects that create high-value jobs, strengthen the supply chain, and deliver economic growth.
The announcement was made during Innovate UK’s Innovation Forum: North East, held in Newcastle to explore how innovation can drive regional growth.
The funded projects include the North East Centre for Accelerating the Green Economy, led by Procter and Gamble and three North East universities.
This centre will focus on developing the next generation of clean chemicals.
Another project, the North East Vision for High Value Materials Innovation Acceleration, is led by CPI.
It will bring together two catapults, the region’s four universities, and high-growth businesses to scale up products in semiconductors, battery systems, and other advanced materials.
Project Sycamore, led by Durham University spin-out Low Carbon Materials, will establish the UK’s first hub for carbon-negative advanced materials.
The project aims to scale up carbon-negative concrete to support sustainable construction.
The Centre for Realisation and Advancement of Future Technologies, led by Durham University, will expand the region’s work in space and fusion research, attracting new private partners and investment.
The LIPF is part of a wider £500 million UK government programme delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to strengthen innovation economies across the country.
Professor Ian Chapman, chief executive of UKRI, said: "These projects in North East England are all excellent examples of what can be achieved when world-leading researchers, innovative businesses and regional partners come together around a shared ambition.
"Building on local strengths and previous UKRI investment, they will create high-quality jobs, attract investment and deliver tangible benefits for people and communities across the region."
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council and North East Mayoral Strategic Authority cabinet member for Home to a Growing and Vibrant Economy, said: "Our region has always been at the forefront of innovation, and these first four projects highlight the cutting-edge work taking place, focusing on clean technology and sustainability.
"Just as important, they are creating high-quality jobs and providing a major boost both to the region’s economy and our reputation as a place to set up and do business."
Industry leaders also welcomed the announcement.
Dr Phil Souter, senior director at Procter and Gamble, said: "Innovation is at the heart of how P&G delivers superior products for consumers, and partnerships play a critical role in enabling that innovation.
"Through NE-CAGE (Centre for Accelerating the Green Economy), we look forward to working with universities and SMEs across the North East to advance the next generation of sustainable materials and products, advanced measurement capabilities and future talent.
"Together, we can help unlock new scientific discoveries, support economic growth and reinforce the North East’s position as a leading hub for research and innovation."
Frank Millar, CEO of CPI, said: "The North East has an exceptional combination of scientific expertise, innovative businesses and world-class innovation assets.
"Through NOVA, we’re proud to bring those strengths together and connect with the national materials innovation network, helping businesses scale and commercialise new technologies in areas including advanced materials, semiconductors and batteries.
"This partnership will enable private investment, increase resilience in regional supply chains and ensure innovation translates into lasting economic impact, creating high-value opportunities across the region."
Dr Natasha Boulding, CEO and co-founder of Low Carbon Materials, said: "Through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) and Project Sycamore, we will accelerate the development, scaling, and commercial deployment of our advanced materials to decarbonise and improve our built environment.
"With this continued support, we can bridge the gap between world-class research and commercial application, scaling our operations to drive regional economic growth, create high-value green jobs, and reinforce the North East’s position as a leader in innovation."
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Professor Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, said: "Durham University is pioneering new technological development to drive growth and prosperity in North East England.
"CRAFT will turn promising research into practical products, services, and applications, and Low Carbon Materials’ continued success is further evidence of the lasting benefit to North East England of Durham University research and commercialisation."
More projects are expected to join the programme later this year.