Driving Digital Transformation Across Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Between April 2023 and March 2026, the Advanced and Digital Technologies Innovation Accelerator helped local businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme pioneer new technology, drive efficiency, and build long-term competitiveness.
Fully funded with UK Shared Prosperity funds (UKSPF) through Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and delivered by University of Staffordshire, this initiative paired high-potential SMEs, and large enterprises with dedicated innovation talent and academic expertise to solve real-world technical challenges.
Watch the impact
See how local businesses transformed their operations through 360hr bespoke innovation partnerships.
Programme Highlights & Outcomes
Over the course of the initiative, participating organisations were paired with a trained University of Staffordshire student or graduate, acting as an Innovation Consultant, supported by university academic experts, technical advisors, and state of the art facilities in the Innovation Enterprise Zone.
Each 360hrs project delivered tailored solutions designed to build lasting R&D capacity.
What we achieved
Over three years, the programme drove significant economic and technical growth across Newcastle-under-Lyme, supporting 30 local businesses across sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, construction, food distribution, financial services, telecommunications, and sports management.
Key programme outcomes
Innovation & Product Development
Participating businesses successfully developed and introduced new-to-market and new-to-firm products.
Technology & Process Adoption
Organisations modernised operations by adopting advanced digital tools and automated processes.
Enhanced Productivity
Businesses reported measurable improvements in operational efficiency and productivity.
Job Creation
Accelerated business growth directly led to new job creation across the region.
Graduate Employability
Participating students and graduates gained vital industry experience and high-value interpersonal skills, significantly boosting their career prospects.
Business benefits
Boost business profits
Profit is fundamental for your business to reduce costs, increase turnover and productivity. It is the fuel that allows you to progress and plan for change and growth.
Increase competitiveness
Get a good understanding of your competitors' advantages and disadvantages, and address the gaps in the sector. This enables your business to stay ahead of the competition.
Create high-value jobs
Offer emerging talent an opportunity to apply the latest skills and knowledge to your business. You will also create a culture of investment in people, customers and equipment.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), large businesses and charities in Newcastle-under-Lyme. There are limited partnerships available, so contact us today.
Watch the Impact
See how local businesses transformed their operations through 360hr bespoke innovation partnerships.
Staff
Justin Pover
Knowledge Exchange Coordinator
Justin Pover is a Knowledge Exchange Coordinator at the University of Staffordshire, supporting knowledge exchange and collaboration between the university and local businesses.
Justin's profile
Want to know more about how we can support your business?
Get in touch with our Business Engagement team who can answer any questions you may have about our range of services.
Contact us