Lancashire Universities’ Innovation Programme

Develop your business

The Lancashire Universities’ Innovation Programme is a collaborative programme funded by Burnley and Preston’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme is delivered by the University of Central Lancashire, Lancaster University and Edge Hill University.

The aim of the programme is to support businesses based in Preston and Burnley with their innovation needs.

The support we can offer includes:

  • Innovation sprints
  • Innovation catalysts
  • Developing prototypes
  • Product testing
  • Evidence based marketing
  • Student placements
  • Expert feedback and support from academic staff
  • Access to laboratories and facilities

The project will bring together extensive industry and academic expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and technology, together with tailored support enabling businesses to turn ideas into realities.

When a new company joins the programme, we will complete a full Innovation Roadmap to ensure that we can tailor the support to their individual needs.

We also have a number of partners we are able to sign post to during and after the support received from us.

There is no restriction on the types of business we can work with, as long as they are based within Preston City Council or Burnley Borough Council postcode areas.

To find out more information please email Christopher Sayers, who is the Project Manager for this programme. 

Supported by

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus page

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