The SCENE (Strategic Commercialisation Ecosystem North East) project, a five-year programme led by Durham University and involving Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside universities and other partners, has been awarded £8.9 million from Research England.

Building on the foundations of the Northern Accelerator spin-out programme, the SCENE project will grow the North East's capacity and capability to commercialise impactful university research.

The initiative aims to further support the region’s spinout businesses and also link-up collaborative research and development (R&D), licensing and other forms of commercial activity with business partners.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Place, Newcastle University, said: “At Newcastle University, we’re proud of Northern Accelerator’s contribution to the innovation ecosystem in the region. Building on this success, the new funding will be significant in helping the region’s universities to continue driving economic growth in the North East. The SCENE project will be vital for us and our partners in enabling us to harness our pioneering research to create high-value jobs, support innovation, and deliver benefits for our communities.”

An ecosystem for business and commercial activities

Over the five-year programme, SCENE will deliver in seven areas focused on addressing specific opportunities and barriers to expanding the commercialisation of university research across the region.

The first of its programmes will see dedicated resources, capacity and leadership to support deeper collaboration between the partner HEPs. It will deliver enhanced and more structured engagement with more businesses.

The funding comes as the five universities continue to build their collaboration through Universities for North East England (UNEE).

Working with an existing portfolio of 60 spin-out businesses, UK Government and investors, project partners will promote exporting and enhancing the investment finance available in the region.

A dedicated team will work collaboratively across the universities to drive forward and establish ways to sustain enhanced regional commercialisation.

Estelle Blanks, Director of Business Development and Enterprise and Deputy Director of Research and Innovation, Newcastle University, said: “Universities in the North East play a significant role in inclusive growth through innovation. Our work to date, via the Northern Accelerator, has generated over 1,000 jobs and attracted significant investment. SCENE will help us build a strong and supportive ecosystem for business and commercial activities in the region. It will create the right conditions for spinouts to grow and attract early-stage investment. It will also ensure that our commercialisation activities are driven by the needs of industry and communities.”

Research England is investing £30 million into four ambitious regional projects through its University Commercialisation Ecosystem initiative.

The funding forms part of Research England’s wider work to support research commercialisation across the country. It builds on the Connecting Capability Fund (CCF) and the Research England Development (RED) Fund, which aim to drive innovation by supporting collaboration and strengthening commercialisation capacity.

Adapted with thanks from Durham University.