Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.
Theodore Levitt
It starts with an idea.
A eureka moment.
This spark of an idea develops over time, perhaps with research to see if anything similar exists, perhaps discussion with colleagues and other relevant professionals. It is getting to the point where you feel you really have something… but how to make it into a reality? A viable product? This is where many ideas end. Without the ability or resources to develop further the momentum is lost and the idea gathers dust.
If creativity is the idea, then innovation is the action. It is the process of transforming creative and original ideas into useful application. For UK based SME’s or individuals with an idea for an innovative product or service, there is an organisation that can help brush the dust off those ideas and help turn them into a successful reality.
©ALJ Photogrphy
Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency, whose main objective is accelerating economic growth. They understand the challenges involved in taking a new idea to market. They fund, support and connect innovative businesses through a unique mix of people and programmes to accelerate sustainable economic growth.
Their aim is to:
- Provide support for innovative SME’s with high-growth potential
- Ensure government initiatives such as the Small Business Research Initiative attract innovative UK businesses and give companies access to important customers in the public sector
- Identify and invest in sectors that have the greatest potential for innovation to speed up economic growth
- Help innovative companies work with their backers so their ideas can be developed commercially
They do this by providing:
- Technical help and access to specialist facilities.
- Through their Knowledge Transfer Partnership they can provide expert knowledge by finding an expert at a UK University or research organisation to work with. This expert will help recruit a graduate to work in your business on a specific project.
- Networking opportunities through their Knowledge Transfer Network.
- Assist in finding project partners
- Support to work with international partners, major businesses and government.
Their plans for 2014 to 2015 include:
- Launching more than 80 competitions for up to £536 million government funding, including Smart and Launchpad competitions, in specific sectors such as energy, digital, health and care, and transport
- New areas such as urban living and emerging technologies
- Developing their Knowledge Transfer Network and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships programme
- Helping UK businesses make the most of the innovation funding and opportunities in Europe such as Horizon 2020
Projects they have helped fund and support include a Portsmouth-based SME who developed a long-endurance unmanned vessel for oceanographic research, a novel medical device to prevent deep vein thrombosis in hip transplant patients and an innovative process for making metallic foams.
Your WardWilliams Creative is an invaluable source of information and support when applying for grants and funding for your innovations, contact them today to see what opportunities may be available to you. Patrick Higgins, Founder of Bluumbox has this to say about his experience with Innovate UK and WardWilliams Creative:
“I would strongly recommend getting expert help in the application process. Erin knew who to get involved with and when, for example, EIS Scheme approvals and VAT returns. In terms of the post-grant award, Innovate UK were very helpful and do what they can to accommodate your project’s requirements. Very simply, without Innovate UK funding Bluumbox might still be just an idea rather than an early-stage business venture looking for equity investment.”
Alternatively, visit Innovate UK to find out more about their upcoming funding distribution and competitions.
Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.
Albert Einstein
