Strong local innovation economies are essential for regional growth, productivity, and equitable economic opportunities.

We empower businesses and regional organisations to unlock inclusive economic prosperity across the UK.
We tackle the barriers holding regions back including:
- Limited access to funding for SMEs and regional projects.
- Complex regulatory environments that hinder innovation.
- Public sector procurement practices that are not innovation-friendly.
£400bn
Annual UK public sector procurement spend, with £60bn in local government alone.
£19bn
Potential annual innovation-driven outcomes by unlocking just 5% of public-sector contracts.
Our focus areas
Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC)
We help public authorities adopt innovation-friendly procurement practices, unlocking demand for new solutions and driving regional R&D activity.
UK Innovation Districts Group (UKIDG)
We work with leading innovation districts where businesses, universities, and communities collaborate to tackle society’s biggest challenges, from net zero interventions to AI applications. Our goal is to ensure place-based innovation drives inclusive urban growth.
3Ci: Cities Commission for Climate Investment
We support local authorities in securing long-term finance for achieving net zero, unlocking £200bn+ in investment opportunities across UK cities.
Freeport Innovation Network
We support UK Freeports in delivering their innovation objectives, ensuring long-term legacy impact for businesses and communities.
Open Calls
Have an innovative pilot, product, or solution?

Featured Article

Tale of two cities in boosting local growth through innovation
Delegates flocked to the Connected Places Catapult pavilion at UKREiiF in Leeds for three days of discussion around place…
Projects
AI in Transport Enhancing Passenger Experience Programme
Enhancing cyber-physical resilience in remote crane operations for ports
Related News
Maritime innovators focussed on port safety, autonomous operations, and future fuels join accelerator programme
Transport and built environment leaders join Connected Places Catapult Board

