R&D and Innovation Support
Essex Innovation Programme
Essex Innovation Programme runs several initiatives both for new and established innovative businesses in the area. The programmes include a range of specialist services, such as:
- New Ideas Programme
Support available for those wanting to start or develop a business involving the commercialisation of design, know-how, technology or scientific ideas.
- Developing Innovative Businesses Programme
To assist innovative businesses in the early stages as well as more established businesses.
- Accessing new markets
Services to ease the introduction to new national and international markets.
- Essex Manufacturing Innovation and Growth Programme (EMIG)
This offers practical, on-site assistance for manufacturing companies to enable greater competitiveness and long-term growth. Developed by Cambridge University's Institute for Marketing, it provides an action plan and is facilitated by an experienced adviser.
Contact: 01245 702417
Essex R&D Network
The Network brings together key companies, including Ford, BAE Systems and Selex who are involved in research and development in the region. Quarterly meetings provide information on opportunities and networking.
Contact: 01245 430470
Harlow Enterprise Hub
Harlow Enterprise Hub offers business accommodation and expert business advice and support to knowledge based businesses with strong growth potential and aspirations. It can also offer "touchdown" office space to businesses moving into Harlow in the first instance.
Prominently located on Edinburgh Way, the Hub opened in December 2008 and consists of 52 business units of varying sizes. There are presentation areas and meeting rooms, a central reception, switchboard and a café. Meeting rooms can be hired out to external organisations and the tenants are entitled to 8 free hours a month as part of the rental agreement. There is a also a 'virtual tenancy' package for those not wishing to take up actual space and these tenants benefit from a business address and use of the switchboard service.
The Centre has a business adviser on-site for one to one business advice. The Hub has forged strong links with the local press, the Council and the Chambers of Commerce to discuss and promote activities.
Contact: 01279 311400
Anglia Ruskin University
The University, based currently in Cambridge and Chelmsford, and with an imminently opening centre at Harlow, offers support and facilities to local businesses. There are a range of technical facilities including rapid prototyping equipment and electronic microscopes available on a supervised basis. It can assist on placements including two year knowledge transfer partnerships and related placements for a shorter periods.
Facilities such as meeting and conference rooms are also available.
Contact: 01223 363271
East of England Development Agency
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) provides a range of valuable innovation support services. These include:
Grant for Research and Development
The grant provides funds for small businesses and individuals to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.
Grant for Business Investment
This supports investment projects which have the potential to improve the region's economic performance and grants are upwards of £10k for the acquisition of key assets and to support the creation of new jobs.
EU Framework Programme
The EU's biggest initiative for R&D projects, proposals must be developed by a collaboration of organisations with at least 3 separate EU countries in the consortium, helping to build pan-European markets.
Proof of Market
Formerly Proof of Concept, this initiative provides funding for innovative concepts and ideas.
Contact: 01223 713900
EEDA can facilitate links to valuable sources of expertise and contacts across a range of specialist technology based industries located elsewhere in the region, in particular life sciences and healthcare, energy and environmental industries, advanced manufacturing and engineering and creative industries sectors. EEDA's regional funded services cover most of the specialist sector support initiatives listed below.