NMITE launches new programme and vision for innovation centre

This programme marks the initial phase of establishing the Centre for Innovation and Future Skills (CIFS), previously known as the Skills Hub, which will serve as a vital link between businesses and academia, fostering a collaborative environment for growth and development.

The Innovation Programme 2024–2025 will be officially launched on 12th September 2024 at the Innovation Programme Demo Day, an inspiring evening set to take place at the award-winning Skylon Campus. Taking place from 4–8pm, the event will showcase the achievements of the local businesses that participated in the six-month pilot Innovation Programme.

Applications will open on the 12th September for businesses across Herefordshire and surrounding areas, affording up to 15 companies access to this comprehensive programme designed to equip local businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary to prepare for the future of work. It features a series of full-day workshops covering critical areas such as ideation, evaluating business innovation readiness, investigating market opportunities, and developing and designing new products, services, and processes. Additional workshops will focus on strategies for commercialisation and securing funding for innovation, ensuring that businesses have the insights and resources needed to succeed.

“The Innovation Programme was a game changer for Services for Independent Living (SIL). The level of consultancy was excellent, and the diversity and professional background of guest speakers was impressive. The organisational learning that we gained was significant and the traction this gave us in advancing our business project was unprecedented. The atmosphere of the sessions and ongoing engagement was so supportive and upbeat, we will genuinely miss the team at NMITE and Innovate UK. It was six months that were well spent in terms of outputs for SIL but also a really enjoyable, insightful and life-affirming experience. I can’t recommend the programme highly enough” says Nick Day, Head of Development and Innovation, SIL and incumbent on pilot Innovation Programme.

Businesses accepted onto the Innovation Programme will benefit from personalised one-on-one support provided by Innovation and Growth Specialists from Innovate UK, offering expert advice tailored to each business's unique needs throughout the programme and beyond

The Centre for Innovation and Future Skills aims to act as a bridge between businesses and academia, driving inward investment and creating a thriving ecosystem where innovation can prosper. By focusing on sectors critical to the region’s future, such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Construction/Infrastructure/Environmental Technology, Health, and Security and Defence, the Centre and NMITE are committed to ensuring that Herefordshire is well-equipped to tackle future global challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

Professor David Oloke, Chief Academic Officer, NMITE, underscores the significance of these initiatives, stating: "The NMITE Centre for Innovation and Future Skills will facilitate innovation incubation and propagation through the collaboration of key stakeholders. The Centre will also foster an environment for upskilling and re-skilling the workforce in readiness for the required skills to tackle future global challenges."

The launch of the Innovation Programme 2024–2025 represents a crucial step in NMITE’s vision to establish the Centre for Innovation and Future Skills, positioning Herefordshire as a leader in innovation and economic growth – the deadline for applications is 11th November 2024.