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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

See Long Image description for all logos.

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, Vulcan Works, British Business Bank, TG Group Business Advisors and Accountants, Northamptonshire Business Network, North Northamptonshire Council, and The Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network.

 

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.

Read the full NIEA Report*

Ready to fuel your future?

Explore the full event line-up and discover how innovation can drive your business forward in 2025.

  • Northamptonshire Food & Drink Week

    31 May – 8 June

    NNSTARTUP DAY

    Wednesday 11 June

    • Time: 9am-5pm
    • Type: Online
    • Partner: NNBN

    Merged Futures

    Friday 13 June

    • Location: Waterside Campus
    • Time: 10am-4pm
    • Type: In-person
    • Partner: Digital Northants

    Innovation Ecosystem Report  / Campaign Launch

    Wednesday 25 June

    • Location: Waterside Campus
    • Time: 4:30-7:30pm
    • Type: In-person

    Register for this event via the booking link.

    Innovation & Growth Conference

    Thursday 26 June

    Register for this event via the booking link.

    Sustainability Summit

    Monday 30 June-Tuesday 1 July

    • Location: Waterside Campus
    • Time: 9am – 4.30pm
    • Type: In-person

    Find out more about the Sustainability Summit

  • Approaching Grant Funding

    Thursday 3 July

    Register for this event using the booking link.

    Overview of Tax Credits and how they can support innovation

    Monday 7 July

    Register for this event using the booking link.

    Coffee & Croissants

    Tuesday 8 July 

    Register for this event using the booking link.

    Show Me Success: Funding Futures, Fuelling Change Where Innovation Meets Investment

    Thursday 17 July

    • Location: Escapade Hotel, Silverstone
    • Time: 8:30am-12:30pm
    • Type: In-person
    • Partner: SM Growth Hub

    Register for this event using the booking link.

    Ready Set Fund – Mastering the art of becoming investment ready

    Tuesday 22 July

    Register for this event using the booking link.

    Understanding stages of innovation – idea to execution

    Tuesday 29 July

    Register for this event using the booking link.

  • My Innovation Journey

    Thursday 4 September

    My Innovation journey

    Location: Vulcan Works
    Time: 10am-12pm
    Type: In-person
    Partner: Vulcan Works + NNBN

    Alternative Funding for the Midlands Part 1

    Tuesday 9 September

    Register for this event using the booking link.

    Coffee Van & Innovation Presentation at Northants Chamber Business Expo

    Thursday 11 September

    • Location: Franklins’ Gardens
    • Time: All Day
    • Type: In-person (Coffee Van)
    • Partner: Chamber of Commerce

    Coffee van tour & workshops

    Tuesday 16 September

    Network & Learn (1/2 day) with Digital Northants

    Tuesday 16 September

    Investor Readiness

    Tuesday 16 September

    The Coffee van tour at Silverstone Park

    Wednesday 17 September

    • Location: Silverstone Park
    • Time: All Day
    • Type: In-person
    • Partner: Silverstone Park

    Fuelling Innovation Celebration

    Friday 19 September

    • Location: Waterside Campus
    • Time: 8-11:30am
    • Type: In-person

    Alternative Funding for the Midlands Part 2

    Tuesday 23 September

    Register for this event using the booking link.

  • Business Finance week

    Tuesday 7 October

    Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network Innovation within the Tourism Sector

    Tuesday 7 October

    Introduction to intellectual property for business

    Monday 13 October

    Careers 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

    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.

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