What is Innovate and Grow?
Arrow Sunderland Innovate and Grow (SIG) is a research-driven support programme designed to help businesses tackle innovation challenges, such as developing new products, services, or processes. Fully funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the programme is available to Sunderland-based businesses.
The project between the University and Sunderland City Council consists of four main sections. These include activities that support all steps of the innovation cycle through:
- Identifying and promoting new technologies to stimulate innovation in process, product, and business model via subject innovation specialists (Arrow Innovation(opens in new tab))
- Addressing gaps in business capacity and capability to innovate through active engagement and grant support, and student and graduate placements (Arrow Innovation Placements(opens in new tab))
- Supporting four projects that benefitted from UKSPF funding last year to work with experts within commercialisation, moving the projects closer to commercialisation, or to be a commercial business (Northern Accelerator(opens in new tab))
- Addressing innovation needs in the creative sector by engaging sector specialists (Sunderland Culture Unlock Programme(opens in new tab)).
"The partnership with Arrow has been a game-changer for us. It’s helped us overcome significant operational challenges and reinforced our commitment to excellence and innovation in the modular housing industry. The insights and support we received have informed strategic decisions that will drive our business forward and, more importantly, improve our ability to make a positive impact on society."
Key contacts
- Mike Jurowski, Business Development Manager (Arrow Innovation) mike.jurowski@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab)
- Nickola Gray, Strategic Projects and Funding Manager (Northern Accelerator) nickola.gray@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab)
- Duncan McDonald, Partnerships and Work Integrated Learning Manager (Innovation Placements) duncan.mcdonald@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab)
- Nick Malyan (Sunderland Culture Unlock Programme) nick.malyan@sunderlandculture.org.uk(opens in new tab).