THE University of Cumbria has successfully bid for £2.3 million to help SMEs in the region benefit from expertise which could help make them more efficient.

The money, from the European Regional Development Fund, is aimed at sparking eco-innovation – research which might result in collaborations between the university and commerce.

“We’re really excited to be able to announce that we’ve secured funding which now means we can help develop technology in companies across Cumbria and Lancashire,” Annette Suddes, eco-innovation project manager said. “We know that small and medium-sized enterprises have to work hard to maintain their competitive advantage in the development of new, low-carbon products and processes. What we’re able to offer is tangible help – either with academics or students from the university – to help an idea become a reality.”

A launch event for the project, named Eco-Innovation Cumbria, will be held at the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus on April 4 between 9.30am-3pm. Register at: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/business/eco-innovation-cumbria/

Eligible innovative SME businesses will have access to a programme of events which will include more detailed forums, lectures and residential workshops.

Funds are also available for placement of researchers into businesses where there are ideas for innovation which will lower greenhouse gases.

The event includes an exciting taster 'Open Innovation Forum' run by Kieran Brocklebank, Head of Innovation at United Utilities, who will set an interactive challenge suitable for any SME.

This will look at how businesses can innovate to resolve business challenges in the water company’s supply chain, as a hands-on demonstration of the innovation process.