County Durham based businesses amongst over 300 supported to innovate by Arrow Programme

Andrew Turner Inventions

Intelligent Gels

A regional innovation programme is helping County Durham and North East based organisations turn ideas into commercial opportunities by connecting them with university expertise and specialist facilities.

A regional innovation programme has helped over 300 regional businesses, including many in County Durham, develop new products and services by linking them with academic expertise across the region.

Arrow, a partnership between Newcastle University, Durham University, Northumbria University and the University of Sunderland, gives organisations access to research capability, specialist knowledge and cutting-edge facilities.

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Arrow: connecting North East businesses and universities to drive innovation

Since launching in 2018, Arrow has supported more than 300 businesses, charities and entrepreneurs across the North East, helping them develop innovative new products, services and processes.

Through the programme, organisations work with dedicated innovation practitioners who help shape bespoke targeted projects and connect them with relevant academic specialists.

A range of organisations across different sectors have already worked with the programme. County Durham based businesses to work with Arrow include:

Sedgefield based Entrepreneur Andrew Turner Inventions worked with Arrow experts at the University of Sunderland to develop a device capable of travelling through water networks and capturing operational data, using computational modelling to explore possible design concepts.

Arrow researchers at Durham University informed the development of EU compliant coloured gels for Durham based Intelligent Gels based at NetPark, County Durham.

Support can include research and development expertise, proof-of-concept work, data science and AI expertise, and access to specialist equipment and facilities.

Estelle Blanks. Director of Business Development and Enterprise at Newcastle University, said:

“Arrow simplifies the process for businesses to access universities. It enables organisations to

test-drive collaboration with universities, helping them to access the expertise and facilities needed to bring innovative ideas to life.”

Jenny Taylor. Executive Director of Research and Innovation Services, Northumbria University added:

“The North East is full of brilliant businesses doing really exciting things and by supporting them on the delivery of their innovation projects, we enable them to grow, deliver jobs, economic growth, and help retain talent here in the region.”

Fully funded innovation support from Arrow is available for organisations based in County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Northumberland, thanks to funding through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the North East Combined Authority and Durham County Council.

Discover how Arrow could help your organisation innovate and to discuss how Arrow could support your organisation, get in touch.