Newcastle University has launched Newcastle Innovations to make it faster and easier for businesses, investors and partners to collaborate with the University and turn ideas into growth.

Newcastle Innovations provides a single, joined‑up front door to the University’s innovation, commercialisation and partnership activity - simplifying access to expertise, facilities, talent, funding pathways and commercial support.

For organisations and investors, Newcastle Innovations offers a clear route into collaboration - whether co‑developing new technologies, accessing specialist research facilities, commissioning applied research, investing in high‑growth spin‑outs, or building skills for the future workforce.

Newcastle Innovations will build on a strong track record as Newcastle University already has 42 active spin-out companies that have attracted more than £90 million of investment in the past two years, and created more than 370 jobs.

Estelle Blanks, Director of Newcastle Innovations, said: “From a business perspective, the idea is simple - a clear route into expertise, talent, facilities, and partnerships.

“We are responding directly to feedback from industry, so that more companies can access our support and expertise to accelerate growth, attract investment and create a skilled workforce.” 

Strong track record

Newcastle University works with a wide range of partners, from global organisations such as Procter & Gamble, Siemens and Curium Pharma, to SMEs, scale‑ups, public sector bodies and third‑sector organisations across the UK and internationally.

Flagship initiatives at the University such as the National Innovation Centre for Data and the Arrow programme, which provides innovation support to SMEs, have delivered productivity gains for businesses as well as opening new markets and supported long‑term regional growth. The National Innovation Centre for Data, based at Newcastle University, has already supported the creation of 1,500 jobs and is forecast to boost the North East economy by £742 million over the next decade.

Professor Jane Robinson, Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Business, Partnerships and Place at Newcastle University, added: “Partnership working is at the heart of what we do. Newcastle Innovations is about removing barriers to turn ideas into impact.

“We are making it easier for organisations to collaborate with us locally, nationally and internationally, to deliver innovation and growth and tangible benefits for businesses, communities and society.”

Industry and University working together

Newcastle Innovations was launched at a special event with more than 170 businesses and other external partners at the Catalyst, Newcastle Helix. Among the companies taking part in the event was Pentland, which includes premier outdoor clothing brand Berghaus, based in the North East.

Pentland partnered with Newcastle Innovations to develop new legwear technology that would adapt to women’s bodies and support them to feel truly comfortable when exploring the outdoors.

Biomechanical modelling and physiological analysis was carried out at Newcastle University’s advanced sport and exercise research facilities to refine the final design of the new product, and Berghaus is now incorporating ZonalAdapt into all of its legwear.

Sam Munson, New Product Development Lead, Pentland Group, said: “Our collaboration with Newcastle University has been a fantastic example of how industry and academia can work together to better solve challenges real people experience in the outdoors. Working with Newcastle University brought a level of scientific rigour and technical expertise that was invaluable to this project, helping us to push our innovation further and better support women as they hike.”

Strengthening connections

Newcastle Innovations also supports programmes and events that invite people to explore ideas, share perspectives and engage with research and innovation, with 1.6 million people attending the University’s events in 2024/25.  Working with partners across culture, education and public life, these activities help strengthen connections between the University and the wider community.