Local Innovation Partnerships Fund
UKRI programme funding innovation clusters through partnerships between civic institutions, universities and businesses.
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund supports regional innovation through civic, business and university partnerships across the UK. It combines earmarked regional awards with competition for other places.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
What changes when city mayors, not Whitehall, control the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund?
Timeline for Local Innovation Partnerships Fund
Devolved to established mayors from 2028
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The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund is a UK Research and Innovation programme supporting regional clusters of research and business activity. Local partnerships bring together civic institutions, universities and companies to identify investment opportunities based on their region’s strengths. The programme aims to help established clusters expand and promising emerging clusters develop into larger sources of economic activity.
Its geographic remit covers the UK. Earmarked places include English city regions alongside Glasgow, Cardiff and the Belfast and Derry-Londonderry corridor. A separate competitive strand serves places outside those allocations. Partnerships develop portfolios of activities with UKRI, bringing local leadership and research expertise together with business investment. An Independent panel assesses whether proposals are ready, deliverable and capable of managing the funding.
What is the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund and how is the money allocated?
Which city regions will control Local Innovation Partnerships Fund allocations?
Which university received the first Local Innovation Partnerships Fund allocation?
How does the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund differ from UKRI grants?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.