Deadline: 12-Feb-2026
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF), managed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is a significant initiative aimed at fostering regional economic growth through innovation.
With a total investment of up to £500 million, the fund seeks to support the development and scaling of high-potential innovation clusters across the UK. The LIPF is structured into two strands: the Earmarked Strand and the Competed Strand.
The Earmarked Strand allocates funding to specific regions, including Greater Manchester, West Midlands, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, North East, Greater London, Glasgow City Region, Cardiff City Region, and a corridor covering Belfast and Derry-Londonderry. For these areas, a minimum of £30 million is earmarked to support established innovation clusters with proven track records.
The Competed Strand offers a competitive funding opportunity for places outside the earmarked regions. Partnerships in these areas can apply for up to £20 million to develop and scale innovation clusters. This strand is open to proposals that demonstrate the potential for significant economic impact through innovation.
Eligible applicants must form a triple helix partnership, comprising civic institutions, businesses, and universities. These partnerships are expected to collaborate closely to identify and assemble a compelling portfolio of activities that leverage local research and innovation strengths. The aim is to support high-potential innovation clusters within their region, empowering innovation leadership and delivering impact at scale.
The LIPF is designed to support both established clusters with a proven track record of innovation and emerging clusters that are in earlier stages of development but have significant potential to generate economic value. The fund focuses on converting research excellence into tangible products, services, or technologies that deliver impact through increased productivity, greater investment, and the creation of high-value jobs.
For more information, visit UK Research and Innovation.
