Unlocking Midlands Innovation
Innovative Leicestershire is a business-led innovation ecosystem that accelerates collaboration, growth, and productivity. Our purpose? Supporting a prosperous regional economy with businesses and communities that are inclusive, productive, and sustainable.
We also aim to harness the energy and potential of people coming together with ideas.
We’re creating routes to growth for those who want to achieve more while using less.
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL
Founder, RandalSun CapitalFounder and Randal Charitable Foundation
What is Innovative Leicestershire?
Business
Innovation
Strategic
Innovation
Promoting
Innovation
Recognising
Innovation
The Business Gateway Growth Hub leads Innovative Leicestershire, using its knowledge and networks to connect ambitious entrepreneurs with routes to funding, R&D partnerships, events and more.
A 10-point plan for increasing productivity and prosperity was developed after Leicester and Leicestershire successfully completed MIT’s Regional Accelerator Program - one of only a handful of regions in the UK to do so.
The annual Leicestershire Innovation Festival launched in 2018 and has grown each year. Held each Spring at venues around City and County, it is the flagship of our year-round innovation events schedule.
Innovative Leicestershire has led the Leicestershire Innovation Awards since 2018. It is one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the Midlands business calendar. It celebrates dozens of organisations, ranging from startups and social entrepreneurs to researchers and spinouts.
Our Partners
Get involved with Innovative Leicestershire
Collaboration is fundamental to achieving our goals. If you are interested in becoming part of what we are doing then there are a host of ways to get involved, from attending an event to relocating your organisation.
How can we help you innovate?
Signposting for small business
There's a host of options in Leicester and Leicestershire for SMEs seeking to develop ideas, access resources, and identify routes to funding - you can start with the Business Gateway Growth Hub.
Locate in Leicestershire
Our region has the largest economy in the East Midlands and is one of the best-connected areas in the UK - it's the perfect destination as you look to grow or relocate your innovative business.
Partner with our universities
Find out how De Montfort University, Loughborough University and University of Leicester are working together to boost regional prosperity through innovative projects KTPs, research and more.