Arrow
Removing barriers for small businesses so they can access funded innovation support from world-class research and services.
A dedicated team
Arrow breaks away from the traditional ‘brokerage’ model where businesses are matched with academic staff. Instead, Arrow employs a dedicated team of Innovation Associates. They work directly with SMEs. They take the lead on project delivery and bring in academic expertise and insight as required during the project.
Match-funding is also available to SMEs. This can be used to access expertise unavailable at the University or to fund the next steps in implementing project outputs.
Benefits are two-way. There are direct benefits for SMEs. For the University, academics develop their knowledge of commercialisation, hone skills in engagement, and identify new routes to impact. Combined, the regional economy is also strengthened.
Outcomes are already exceeding expectations despite disruption to the scheme from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Innovate and evolve: benefits to businesses
Arrow brings business and academic research together to help businesses advance and to help ideas flourish like never before.
Arrow can help regional businesses overcome hurdles to innovation. They connect them with the right expertise and facilities from across four leading North East universities:
- Durham University
- Newcastle University
- Northumbria University
- University of Sunderland
Businesses from County Durham, North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland are eligible for these short-term innovation projects. Support on these projects can include:
- one-to-one time with experts
- innovation support
- research and development
- proof of concept and validation
- specialist data science expertise
- access to research facilities and equipment
Driving change and delivering results
More than 150 SMEs in the North East are seeing great results after engaging with Arrow. 143 new jobs have been created so far, invigorating careers and bringing talent to our region.
53 new products and services have been developed, boosting private investment by £2.6m and increasing business turnover by £16.9m. Arrow innovation projects are helping to speed up processes and break down barriers to success.
What SMEs say about Arrow
Aaron Holmes, CEO, Kani Payments:
'The whole experience has been really useful. It was delivered in partnership with the University and the National Innovation Centre for Data. We are an innovative company that was inward focused, but this great project has opened our eyes to the benefits of working in partnership.'
Bethany Ainsley, Founder, Nuvo Wellbeing:
'The Arrow Programme delivers a valuable service to organisations like Nuvo. The cost of this type of research and guidance is usually beyond what we can afford.'
Martina Miotto, Chief Scientific Officer, CellulaREvolution:
'I was looking for some insight into strategising the experiments for our validation studies. We needed statistically robust data and support by an academic. We were able to answer the question we were asking ourselves. Having the academic supervision was a highly effective interface of the project support.'
Arrow support is free to you
There is no cost to your business for eligible projects, as Arrow is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Durham County Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority (now administered by the North East Combined Authority) as the leads in their respective areas.
Expand your horizons: getting involved as an academic
Arrow is helping to deliver success for business, and there are big benefits for academics too. Put your expertise to work as part of an Arrow innovation project if you work at:
- Durham University
- Newcastle University
- Northumbria University
- University of Sunderland
An Arrow Innovation Associate is allocated to a project. They handle most of the research and experimentation, so demands on your time are managed.
In return, you’ll partner with a curious, inventive and agile business to take on challenges that can help reshape our world. Grow your research profile and professional reputation when you actively contribute into an Arrow innovation project.
Arrow support is free to you
There is no cost to your business for eligible projects. Arrow is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Durham County Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority (now administered by the North East Combined Authority) as the leads in their respective areas.