Since its launch in 2018, Arrow has enabled North East businesses, charities and entrepreneurs to develop new products, services and processes through bespoke innovation projects with the region’s leading universities.
The programme is delivered by a partnership between Newcastle University, Durham University, Northumbria University and the University of Sunderland, providing companies with access to specialist knowledge, research capability and advanced facilities.
Organisations participating in Arrow work alongside dedicated innovation practitioners who design bespoke projects working with academic experts. Support ranges from research and development guidance and proof-of-concept testing to data science and AI expertise, and access to specialist equipment and laboratories.
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.”
A variety of sectors have already seen the benefits of the programme. Subsea engineering firm Walker Subsea worked with Arrow at Northumbria University to improve the thermal management and safety of an underwater battery pack, identifying suitable coolant options and potential suppliers.
Inventor Andrew Turner collaborated 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 test design concepts.
Heritage technology start-up ROXID partnered with Arrow specialists at the National Innovation Centre for Data at Newcastle University to develop AI tools that automate the collection and analysis of heritage site information.
Arrow researchers at Durham University contributed to the development of EU-compliant coloured gels for Durham-based Intelligent Gels.
Jenny Taylor, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Services at 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.”
Arrow support is fully funded for eligible organisations across Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland, thanks to funding from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the North East Combined Authority and Durham County Council,
To discuss how Arrow could help your business innovate, get in touch.