New funding programme launched to boost innovation in region’s creative tech sector
Businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire are being urged to apply for a share of up to £4.35m in funding to drive innovation and growth in the region’s creative technology sector.
The funding is part of Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme, which has already awarded over £3m to support local businesses.
It is aimed at projects that focus on immersive and creative industries, including digital and mixed media, augmented and virtual reality, game engines, 3D environments, and motion capture technologies.
Funding options range from £25k to £100k for smaller innovation projects, with larger-scale collaborative research and development projects eligible for funding between £150k and £1m.
The programme supports businesses in industries such as creative arts, healthcare, education, mobility, manufacturing, retail, and tourism.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Launchpad is a collaboration between Innovate UK, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
It is designed to help businesses develop new technologies and create jobs, supporting long-term economic growth and attracting investment to the region.
Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Coventry and Warwickshire are renowned for our innovation which drives forward our economy and creates jobs. This latest Launchpad competition demonstrates our strength in fostering innovation to enable talented entrepreneurs to
expand their businesses and take on more highly-skilled staff to meet our county’s sustainable and inclusive ambitions.
“Previous rounds of funding have led to Coventry and Warwickshire businesses developing mixed reality manufacturing environments, a 3D data visualisation toolset, and immersive gaming with educational and ethical benefits.
“This Launchpad funding will allow businesses involved in technology developments to make the most of their talents and build on our sub-regions reputation for attracting inward investors as well as our commitment to long-term economic stability.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, added: “We all know that innovation and the effective adoption of new technologies will be fundamental to growing our economy and creating the jobs of the future. It is something Coventry and Warwickshire has repeatedly excelled at, and this news will be a great boost to businesses. We have seen some exciting projects awarded funding through the first two Rounds of the scheme from a wide range of businesses doing great things with creative
technologies.
“Now, with this new round, it will provide local businesses – either in Creative Industries or working with creative or immersive technologies – with an excellent opportunity to access funds for developing new products or services that will accelerate their growth. We need to encourage local businesses to look at this opportunity and the information on the government website and I really hope that lots consider applying.”
