Working with SMEs and Microbusinesses

We work with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro‑businesses to turn ideas into impact. We can help reduce technical risk and accelerate commercial outcomes.

We can offer research expertise to specialist facilities. We make it easier for smaller businesses to access support that transforms possibilities into products, processes, and services.

Arrow: our flagship innovation support programme

Arrow is an innovation programme for businesses, charities, and entrepreneurs.

It's located in the North East Combined Authority area, and the scheme makes working with a university as frictionless as possible.

Arrow has already supported more than 300 regional organisations. This enables companies to access expertise and facilities across these North East universities:

Newcastle
Durham
Northumbria
Sunderland

It is an ideal way for small and medium organisations to develop a bespoke innovation project and test out university collaboration.

A key feature of the programme is dedicated innovation professionals. They take responsibility for project development and delivery.

Support available includes:

one‑to‑one time with experts
R&D support
proof‑of‑concept and validation activities
data science expertise
access to research facilities and equipment

Arrow support is fully-funded for eligible regional businesses. This is thanks to funding through the North East Combined Authority.

Case studies

Nanovery: A passion to speed up cancer diagnosis with nanorobots

Arrow set up a collaboration between Nanovery, the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, and a consultant urologist.

This gave the biotech start-up access to expertise to test and develop its prototype design.

ROXID: Revolutionising heritage conservation with AI-powered data management

Through Arrow ROXID was able to utilise AI to create an intelligent system.

This managed heritage monuments sustainably and predict the conservation needs intelligently.

Blyth Star Enterprises: A strategic collaboration helps Blyth Star boost visibility and fundraising

This Northumberland charity joined forces with Arrow and Newcastle University Business School.

The charity wanted to refresh its marketing strategy and strengthen digital engagement. The end goal was to launch its first public‑facing fundraising campaign.

Learn more about Arrow

Not in the North East of England? We can still help

We work with small businesses across the UK, not just in the North East of England.

If Arrow isn’t the right route for you, our team will help you find the best pathway to access Newcastle University expertise. That could include:

commercial research collaborations
contract R&D or consultancy
access to specialist labs, testing facilities and equipment
partnership‑based innovation projects
support to develop bids for Innovate UK or other funded programmes

Wherever you’re based, you can still tap into the expertise, facilities, and insight that drive innovation forward.

Let’s connect