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We help to power growth through ambitious research and innovation activity, attracting investment, creating jobs, and increasing productivity.
Through collaboration and transformative programmes we drive enterprise and innovation. We support and strengthen opportunities for our university spin-outs and work to attract foreign investment into our R&D portfolio.
Our universities have a strong track record of commercialising research and translating research ideas into successful spin-out companies.
Collectively, we have a strong research portfolio, ranking number one for world-class science research power in comparison to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL & the universities in Northern Gritstone.
The Midlands has 11% of all UK high-growth SME businesses and receives 13% of all Research England grants for quality-related research. However, it is home to only 5% of UK equity finance deals and accounts for only 5% of the total value of UK equity investments.
Midlands Mindforge aims to transform ground-breaking science and technology into successful businesses with the potential to positively impact our world and accelerate the commercialisation of research.
Our trail-blazing Universities as Drivers of Trade and Investment Programme is tackling underinvestment in the region by stimulating Foreign Direct Investment as a means to support economic growth.
Aston University and the Midlands Innovation partners have a strong track record in bringing together industry and academia to solve real world problems and drive innovation through applied and translational research. Investment raised through Midlands Mindforge will enable a step change that will ensure we get the very best outcomes for our research.
Professor Aleks Subic
Vice-Chancellor of Aston University
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The Midlands ICURe (Innovation-to-commercialisation of university research) is a transformative programme which accelerates the commercialisation of university research.
This is part of Innovate UK’s national programme for academic researchers. ICURe’s focus is on developing the commercial skills and experience of early career researchers (ECRs) who have innovations with commercial potential.
The tried and tested programme helps to create jobs, drive economic growth and brings to life research ideas that make a real difference to society.
Learn more https://warwickinnovationdistrict.com/icure/
The project is led by Midlands Innovation and Midlands Enterprise Universities, a coalition of seventeen of the region’s universities, local economic growth partners (Midlands Engine, West Midlands Growth Company, LEPs) and national government.
The Midlands is home to a zero carbon energy cluster. Research innovation from our partners is driving new pioneering energy technologies.
Bringing together the country’s best health research expertise with the NHS and industry for healthcare innovation.
We unlock research discoveries by facilitating research equipment sharing within our partnership. Our partner’s cutting-edge research facilities enhance research opportunities and collaborations.
Working in partnership to tackle the challenges facing our communities
