Access Innovation Programme - AWARD

In Jul 2017, the Combined Authority launched the Access Innovation (AI) programme to address an under-investment in R&D within the Leeds City Region, particularly amongst SMEs. AI is being delivered across the city region with funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Local Growth Fund (LGF). Its primary objective is to help SMEs to become more productive and competitive through the development of new products, processes and services. It links small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) directly to the expertise and facilities within research intensive organisations, such as universities or Catapult Centres. The programme provides advice to businesses on which organisations can support them with their innovation activities.