Fuelling Innovation
Northamptonshire is a powerhouse of innovation – home to global brands like Warner’s Gin, Weetabix, and GXO Logistics, not to mention the thousands of SMEs that are always innovating for their customers, their businesses and their communities. With a rich heritage of enterprise and a vibrant ecosystem of forward-thinking businesses, it’s the perfect place for innovation to thrive.
Fuelling Innovation is a dynamic campaign designed to ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and build a stronger future for businesses across the region. Through a packed programme of events, workshops, conferences, and networking sessions, we’re sparking new ideas and driving growth.
Ignite Your Next Big Idea
- Exclusive events hosted by the University of Northampton and partners
- Access to industry experts, investors, and academic leaders
- Practical insights to power your business growth and innovation
- Opportunities to learn more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and how they can accelerate your success
From dynamic workshops to the vibrant Coffee Tour – where great conversations start with a free cup of coffee – Fuelling Innovation offers the perfect platform to connect, learn, and grow.
Our Partners
Long Image Description: Images of Partner logos: URKI Innovate UK, Federation of Small Businesses, Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire, Digital Northants, South Midlands Growth Hub, Silverstone Technology Cluster, Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, Vulcan Works, British Business Bank, North Northamptonshire Council, TG Group Business Advisors and Accountants, Northamptonshire Business Network, North Northamptonshire Council, and The Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network.
Fuelling Innovation Podcast
Northamptonshire is a powerhouse of innovation – home to global brands like Warner’s Gin, Weetabix, and GXO Logistics, not to mention the thousands of SMEs that are always innovating for their customers, their businesses and their communities. With a rich heritage of enterprise and a vibrant ecosystem of forward-thinking businesses, it’s the perfect place for innovation to thrive.
Fuelling Innovation is a dynamic campaign designed to ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and build a stronger future for businesses across the region.
This podcast will explore these businesses through on-site conversations about their story, how they innovate every day, and give tips on how you can boost your business or idea.
Northamptonshire Innovation Ecosystem Analysis
The University of Northampton (UON) commissioned this report to better understand the innovation characteristics of the locality and the role UON must play in driving innovation within our industrial base. We recognise that we cannot do this alone, and the report has been co-produced by a steering group of key partners, it has been informed by consultation with businesses and key stakeholders, and it is also supported by a comprehensive evidence paper.
This report recommends how Northamptonshire can overcome some of the challenges we face, build on its past and shape its future as an innovative county in the future economy.
*For more information, see our Accessibility statement.
Ready to fuel your future?
This summer, UON is turning up the heat on innovation – and serving it with a shot of espresso. Following the launch of our Fuelling Innovation campaign and the Northamptonshire Innovation Ecosystem Report, we’re now taking innovation on tour.
Fuelling Innovation at the Northants Chamber Business Expo
Thursday 11 September
- Location: Franklins’ Gardens
- Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Type: In-person (Coffee Van)
- Partner: Chamber of Commerce
JOIN US FOR OUR FUELLING INNOVATION ACROSS NORTHAMPTONSHIRE TALK!
Following the release of the Northamptonshire Innovation Ecosystem Report (NIER) and the launch of the Fuelling Innovation campaign, the University and its partners have introduced a county-wide programme to inspire, connect, and empower local businesses with the tools, networks, and support they need to thrive.
Support for Every Stage of Growth No matter where your business is on its journey, from startup to scale-up, there are resources available to help you innovate, grow, and compete.
University Collaboration: Innovation in Action When businesses collaborate with universities and their partners, innovation evolves from a buzzword into a sustainable business model. These partnerships unlock powerful benefits, which can include dedicated graduate talent, shared costs, reduced risk, funding, and real commercial impact
Hear It Firsthand: Join our upcoming session to discover how real businesses have embraced these opportunities, and the transformative impact it’s had on them. Learn what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can be part of Northamptonshire’s innovation story
- Location: Franklins’ Gardens
- Time: 11:15am – 11:45am
- Type: In-person
Fuelling Innovation with the Corby Enterprise Centre
Tuesday 16 September
- Location: Corby Enterprise Centre
- Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Type: In-person
Visit us at our mobile coffee van, delivering high-quality coffee and real conversations directly to you – it’s all about sparking collaboration, sharing research expertise, and connecting local businesses with the incredible opportunities available at UON.
JOIN OUR PARTNERS TALKS!
Ready, Set, Fund! Mastering the art of becoming investment ready
Are you ready to raise funds for your business but unsure where to begin?
Join us for a practical and insightful workshop designed to help startups and growing businesses navigate the complex landscape of business funding.
In partnership with experts from the South Midlands Growth Hub & Barclays Business Banking Team, whether you’re exploring debt, equity, or grants, this session will demystify the options and show you how to position your business for success.
- Time: 10am – 12pm
- Type: In-person
Network & Learn: Unlock the Power of Digital in your Business
Are you a small or medium-sized business in Northamptonshire looking to grow, innovate, or improve efficiency through digital tools and support?
Join us for an insightful session on how Digital Northants can help your business thrive in a fast-changing digital world.
- Time: 1pm – 3pm
- Type: In-person
Fuelling Innovation at DMC Digital Manufacturing Centre, Silverstone Park
Wednesday 17 September
- Location: DMC Digital Manufacturing Centre, Silverstone Park
- Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm
- Type: In-person
- Partner: DMC, Silverstone Park, South Midlands Growth Hub and Made Smarter
DMC will also host the Northamptonshire Manufacturing Forum and Made Smarter:
Smart Integration: Unlocking Efficiency in Manufacturing
Our Manufacturing Forum will provide updates from Make UK, Chamber of Commerce & Innovate UK and guest speaker Andy Paul of Fliweel, talking about AI and manufacturing
Made Smarter will then introduce this Technology Transfer Workshop. Which is designed to help manufacturers across Northamptonshire understand more about core business processes, and learn how CRM and ERP/MRP systems can help boost manufacturing business efficiency.
If you are looking for practical ideas and support that works for your business, this event will give you the tools and confidence to take action. You will hear directly from manufacturers who have already taken part in the programme, meet our digital technology specialists and explore what support is available to help you move forward There will also be a limited number of tech providers on hand to discuss your needs and how they might be able to help.
- Location: DMC Digital Manufacturing Centre, Silverstone Park
- Time: 8am – 2:30pm
- Type: In-person
Full details and booking link.
Market Research Resources: Practical Workshop for Northamptonshire Business
Monday 6 October
- Location: Discover room, Northampton Central Library
- Time: 9.30am -1.30pm
- Type: In-person
- Partner: FSB
Register for this event using the booking link.
Business Finance week
Tuesday 7 October
- Location: Waterside Campus
- Time: 8-11am
- Type: In-person
- Partner: British Business Bank
Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network Innovation within the Tourism Sector
Tuesday 7 October
- Location: Waterside Campus
- Time: 9:30-11:30am
- Type: In-person (Networking)
- Partner: Northamptonshire Surprise
Innovation Tax Reliefs & Commercial Property – What you need to know
Thursday 9 October
- Time: 1pm
- Type: Online (Virtual)
- Partner: TC Group
Register via the booking link
Innovation Tax Reliefs & Commercial Property – Are you managing these effectively?
Thursday 9 October
- Time: 2pm
- Type: Online
- Partner: TC Group
Register via the booking link
Introduction to intellectual property for business webinar
Monday 13 October
- Time: 10-11am
- Type: Online
- Partner: Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire
Book your place at this event.
The Student Futures Expo
Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 October
- Location: Waterside Campus
- Time: 10am-3pm
- Type: In-person
- Partner: University of Northampton
Alternative Funding for the Midlands Part 3
Tuesday 14 October
- Time: 12 – 1pm
- Type: Online
- Partner: British Business Bank
Register for this event using the booking link.
Approaching Grants As Part Of Your Funding Strategy
Thursday 16 October
Explore how to prepare and select grants to fund your innovation project.
- Time: 10am – 12pm
- Location: Vulcan Works, Northampton
- Partner: Innovate UK
Register for this event using the booking link.
Stages of Innovation and Funding Strategy
Wednesday 22 October
Understand the stages of innovation, explore funding opportunities, and learn how Innovate UK’s fully funded support can accelerate your growth.
- Time: 10am – 12pm
- Location: Silverstone Park
- Partner: Innovate UK
Register for this event using the booking link.
Small Businesses Fuelling Innovation: Northamptonshire Summit
Wednesday 5 November
- Location: Sedgebrook Hall, Pitsford Road, Northampton, NN6 8BD
- Time: 9am -1pm
- Type: In-person
- Partner: FSB
Register for this event using the booking link.
Celebrating 50 Years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
As we mark the 50th anniversary of Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), Fuelling Innovation shines a spotlight on the transformative power of collaboration. KTPs have been connecting businesses with academic expertise for five decades, driving innovation, boosting productivity, and creating real-world impact.
At the University of Northampton, we take pride in our successful KTPs that have helped businesses innovate and grow. These partnerships involve a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic institution, and a qualified graduate (known as the ‘associate’), working together on strategic projects to deliver tangible outcomes.