Derby Innovation Accelerator

The Derby Innovation Accelerator, delivered by University of Derby, is part of a combined programme of support funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund delivered in partnership with Derby City Council and the Chamber.

Derby Accelerator provides:

• Innovation Workshops - supporting companies to achieve innovation-led growth through research and development
• Challenge-led Workshops - launching challenges and drawing together potential collaborators. The challenges will focus on strengthening the identified key sectors for Derby whilst inspiring innovation
• Decarbonisation Workshops - supporting companies who are seeking to grow sustainably and respond to opportunities in the low carbon and circular economies
• Innovation Vouchers - supporting access to University of Derby innovation assets, facilities, knowledge and expertise
• Capital Grants - stimulating private sector investment in capital assets that support research and development
• Access to Angel and Investor Networks - supporting, coaching and facilitating companies to understand, prepare and secure 'Angel Investment'

The programme will provide innovation support to:

• Companies within Derby city only
• Established businesses and third sector organisations with high growth* potential
• Pre-start and newly founded organisations with high growth* potential

* high growth defined as evidence of, or ambition to grow, by at least 20% staff and/ or turnover

Target Sectors

• Rail and the sub-sectors of planning design and project delivery, rail infrastructure and equipment, rolling stock, asset management, safety and security, operations, ticketing.
• Nuclear across activities including new build, nuclear infrastructure, waste management and decommissioning.
• Aerospace across activities including design, manufacture, maintenance, modelling, simulation, materials, acoustics, guidance and control systems.
• Life Sciences and the sub-sectors of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, biomedical technologies, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, food processing and environmental science.
• Creative Industries including these sub-sectors: Advertising and Marketing; Architecture; Crafts; Design (Product, Graphic, Fashion); Film, TV, Video, Radio and Photography; IT; Software and Computer Services; Publishing; Museums, Galleries and Libraries; Music, Performing and Visual Arts; Animation and VFX/SFX (visual and special effects); Video Games; Heritage.
• Digital across manufacturing and service industries that capture, transmit and display data and information electronically and as an underpinning enabler of growth and innovation across all sectors.

Register your Interest

If you would like to know more about the support available from D2N2 Growth Hub, please complete the form below.