Fuelling Innovation
Innovation means something different to every business. It could be adopting new technology, improving productivity, streamlining processes or finding smarter ways to grow. Often, innovation is not about major breakthroughs, but about practical ideas that create real impact.
Returning this June, Fuelling Innovation Fortnight brings together businesses from across Northamptonshire for two weeks of workshops, networking events, panel discussions and expert-led sessions focused on growth, collaboration and opportunity.
Delivered by UON and it’s partners, the programme will explore topics including funding, skills, technology, productivity and business growth, while connecting organisations with the people, support and expertise shaping the region’s future economy.
Why attend?
- Connect with businesses, partners and collaborators
- Discover funding, facilities and specialist support
- Explore emerging trends and new opportunities
- Gain practical insight to support business growth
- Build valuable regional connections
Whether you are looking to grow, innovate or explore new ideas, Fuelling Innovation Fortnight is designed to give businesses practical support, fresh thinking and connections that matter.
Our Partners
Long Image Description: 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, MIN (Made in Northampton), North Northamptonshire Council, Silverstone Park, inond, TG Group Business Advisors and Accountants, Barclays Eagle Labs, Northamptonshire Business Network, North Northamptonshire Council, and The Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network.
Fuelling Innovation Fortnight 2026
Continuing on from the success of our 2025 events, from 23 June we’ve got a fortnight of activities taking place.
Tuesday 23 June
Fuelling Innovation: Practical Support for Ambitious Small Businesses
This relaxed, informal event at Mini Meadows Farm is designed for local business owners who want to explore what support is available to them – whether you’re looking to innovate for the first time, troubleshoot a business challenge, or simply make better connections across the local business ecosystem.
- Time: 8:30-10:30am
- Location: Mini Meadows Farm, Naseby Road, Welford, Northamptonshire, NN6 6HZ
- Partner: Federation of Small Businesses
Fuelled by Food: Innovating the Future of Food & Drink
Food and drink production is more than identifying national or international trends, it is responding to immediate customer demands, healthy options and sustainable practices. What role does technology play in this and does it matter what size of business you are and how you tap into automation or AI? Showcasing local examples, this session will look at the importance of innovation in the sector, the current challenges and opportunities, and the skills gaps and how our local learning infrastructure can respond to this. Suitable for all food and drink businesses we can guarantee that you will go away with some ideas, where you can get support and have made new contacts.
- Time: 2-4pm
- Location: Northampton Golf Club, Harlestone Park, Northampton, NN7 4EF
- Partner: Made in Northamptonshire
Wednesday 24 June
My Innovation Journey
As part of Fuelling Innovation, NNBN have partnered with Vulcan Works in Northampton to deliver “MY INNOVATION JOURNEY” – two hours of conversation about how local businesses have innovated with real people talking about real stories. You’ll be able to hear their personal journeys, the support they’ve received and what innovation means to them
- Time: 10am-12pm
- Location: Vulcan Works
Fuelling Innovation: Making Products Happen
Join us at Silverstone Park, in partnership with the Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC), for an interactive workshop exploring what it really takes to turn innovative ideas into commercially viable products.
Led by Benn Klewpatinond, Founder of Inond, this session will provide practical insight into the full product realisation journey. Drawing on experience across sectors including sport, health & wellness and environmental innovation, Benn will share how businesses can gain traction, overcome common challenges, and accelerate their route to market.As part of Fuelling Innovation Fortnight, this workshop is ideal for businesses looking to innovate, diversify or bring new products and technologies to life.
The session will also feature the South Midlands Growth Hub (SMGH), who will introduce their upcoming grant opportunities and highlight support available to help fuel your next stage of growth.
- Time: 1-4pm
- Location: Global room, Innovation Centre, Silverstone Park
- Partner: Silverstone Park, STC
Thursday 25 June
The Digital Future of Freight – Northamptonshire Logistics Industry Forum at GXO, Corby
Join us for the Northamptonshire Logistics Industry Forum, delivered in partnership with GXO and hosted at their state-of-the-art W2 Innovation Centre in Corby.
This session will focus on how innovation is shaping the future of logistics and what it means in practical terms for businesses operating in the sector. Attendees will gain insight into how leading organisations are adopting new approaches, technologies and processes to improve efficiency, resilience and growth.
A highlight of the session will be contributions from GXO and partners, including Connected Places Catapult, who will share how they support businesses to innovate.
- Time: 8:30-10:30am
- Location: GXO W2 Innovation Centre, Mitchell Road, Corby, Northamptonshire, NN17 5QT
Friday 26 June
Northamptonshire Growth, Innovation & Productivity Board Launch
Be part of a new chapter for Northamptonshire as leaders from business, local government, education and industry come together for the official launch of the Northamptonshire Growth, Innovation & Productivity (NGIP) Board.
A key part of NGIP’s role is to address the need for stronger system leadership and connectivity across the local innovation ecosystem, as highlighted in the Northamptonshire Innovation Ecosystem Report. By creating a more joined-up approach, the Board aims to make it easier for businesses to access the support, expertise, funding and partnerships they need to grow and innovate.
This launch event offers the first look at the NGIP Board’s vision and priorities, outlining how organisations across the county can help shape and contribute to Northamptonshire’s future growth. It will also highlight the projects and partnerships designed to support innovation, business scale-up, workforce development and long-term economic resilience.
Guests can expect:
- Insight into the NGIP vision, priorities, and next steps
- Sector lead panel involving strategic partners from UKWA, STC, Weetabix and more
- Opportunities to connect with leaders across business, education, and government
- Networking with organisations driving innovation and change across Northamptonshire
Following the launch, attendees are encouraged to continue the conversation at Merged Futures 8, a free celebration of innovation, creativity and emerging technology featuring exhibitors, live demonstrations and expert speakers from across Northamptonshire and beyond.
- Time: 8am – 10:30am
- Location: The Leathersellers Hide, 4th Floor, Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, NN1 5PH
Merged Futures
A free celebration of innovation across Northamptonshire and beyond, featuring speakers and exhibitors covering all kinds of technology
This is Digital Northants 8th annual tech innovation showcase takes place in the Learning Hub at the University of Northampton’s Waterside Campus.
- Time: 9:30-3:30pm
- Location: Learning Hub Ground Floor, Waterside Campus, NN1 5BH
- Partner: Digital Northants
Merged Futures
Marketing as a Growth Engine: Building Momentum and Impact
- Time: 2:30-3:15pm
- Location: Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, NN1 5PH
- Partner: Digital Northants
Monday 29 June
Technological Transformations in Health and Social Care
Discover how cutting-edge innovation is transforming health and social care at this collaborative event, led by the University of Northampton (UON).
Bringing together professionals from across Northamptonshire’s Integrated Care System, GP networks, health and social care organisations, and the private life sciences sector, the session will showcase forward-thinking UON projects driving real-world impact through digital and technological change.
Highlights will include:
- Showcase of innovative simulation and advanced imaging capabilities at UON
- Poster presentations from leading-edge research and knowledge exchange collaborations in health and social care
- Interdisciplinary and multiprofessional networking
- Tours of specialist UON research spaces
This is an opportunity to connect with multidisciplinary experts, gain insight into emerging research and solutions, and explore how collaboration can unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. Join us to build meaningful partnerships, share ideas, and help shape a stronger, more connected future for health and care across the region.
- Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
- Location: The Leathersellers Hide, 4th Floor, Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, NN1 5PH
Tuesday 30 June
Managing Your Intellectual Property and Knowledge Assets
Join the University of Northampton and the Intellectual Property Office as part of Fuelling Innovation 2026 for a practical, insight-packed webinar on intellectual property and knowledge assets.
Discover how to identify, protect, and maximise the value of your IP, support research and collaboration, and unlock commercial opportunities. Hear directly from IPO experts on managing risk, driving impact, and leveraging IP for innovation success – both in the UK and globally.
Adam Lawton and Samantha McKay from the University of Northampton will introduce the University’s wider business support offer, exploring how businesses can engage with the University to access knowledge, talent, expertise, innovation support and growth opportunities.
Speakers: Jenny Vaughan, Senior Policy Advisor and Matthew Jacka, Policy Advisor from the IPO.
- Time: 11am-12:30pm
- Location: Online (Register to receive a link)
- Partner: Business & IP Centre, IPO
Wednesday 1 July
Fuel Your Growth: Find the Right Funding Path
This workshop, delivered by South Midlands Growth Hub, Barclays Eagle Labs and the British Business Bank, as part of ‘Fuelling Innovation’ is for innovative businesses across Northamptonshire looking at their funding options for growth.
What is the right option for your business? This can be a daunting question as there are so many potential routes from grants to loans to angel and equity investment. Each with the potential to take your business in different directions.
This is where our event comes in. Join us for three panel sessions where we’ll navigate these paths, each with a business that has found the way that was right for them.
- Time: 9:30am-1pm
- Location: Vulcan Works, Northampton
- Partner: British Business Bank, South Midlands Growth Hub, Barclays Eagle Labs
Thursday 2 July
Fuelling Innovation: Bringing Fresh Perspectives to Tackling Your Business Challenges
Join us for an interactive session connecting your food & drink, hospitality and tourism business with current business and management thinking, giving you the opportunity to see your most prescient business challenges in a new light. This session will bring together business and academic expertise to spark new ideas, create opportunities to collaborate, share insight, and tackle real-world challenges in a practical, hands-on way
- Time: 10:00-12:30pm
- Location: Senate Building, First Floor, Room 112, Waterside Campus
- Partner: Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network
Fuelling Innovation 2025
Last summer, we turned up the heat on innovation, and yes, we served it with more than a few shots of espresso.
Following the launch of the Fuelling Innovation campaign and the Northamptonshire Innovation Ecosystem Report, we took innovation on tour across the county. You may have spotted us at expos, enterprise centres, manufacturing hubs and business venues; sparking conversations, sharing insights and connecting brilliant local businesses with the support around them.
Our Fuelling Innovation Coffee Tour wasn’t just about great coffee (although there was plenty of that). It was about real conversations. We met startups, scale-ups and established manufacturers. We hosted workshops, partnered with funding experts, explored digital transformation, manufacturing innovation, intellectual property, tourism growth, and alternative finance.
From Franklins’ Gardens to Silverstone Park, Corby to Waterside Campus, the campaign brought together universities, partners, funders and businesses, creating space for collaboration, practical support and meaningful connections.
The result? New partnerships, fresh ideas, and businesses leaving with the tools and confidence to take their next step.
And if you joined us, thank you. If you missed it, there’s more to come.
Fuelling Innovation Podcast
Fuelling Innovation was a dynamic campaign that ignited creativity, fostered collaboration, and strengthened the future of businesses across the region.
As part of the campaign, our podcast took us behind the scenes of some of Northamptonshire’s most inspiring organisations. Through on-site conversations, we explored their stories, discovered how they innovate every day, and uncovered practical insights and tips to help you grow your own business or idea.
Missed it? You can still listen back and be inspired by the businesses driving innovation across our county.
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.
