This is a closed funding opportunity, for applications from the places selected by the UK government:

• Greater Manchester
• West Midlands
• South Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire
• Liverpool City Region
• North East England
• Greater London
• Cardiff Capital Region
• Glasgow City Region
• an innovation corridor spanning Belfast and Derry/Londonderry

All submissions must be made on behalf of a triple helix partnership. This is a core requirement of the LIPF. Each proposal will need to demonstrate that such a partnership is in place and is capable of developing a compelling portfolio of activities that support the growth of high potential innovation clusters.

The rationale behind the triple helix is well-established, having demonstrated successful implementation in national and international contexts, alongside previous UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) programmes. It brings together collective strengths of research and knowledge generation from academia, commercial expertise and market application from industry, and public sector leadership and strategic direction from civic institutions. Together, these are critical to regional decision-making and ensuring innovation-driven growth.

The lead organisation (’lead bidder’) should be agreed by the partnership on the basis of who is best placed to coordinate the response and represent the cluster opportunity. In many instances, this will be a mayoral strategic authority, combined authority or another form of regional leadership body with the necessary capacity and resources. However, there is the flexibility to designate a university or research organisation to take on a role where appropriate. The lead organisation (’lead bidder’) will be required to access the UKRI Funding Service.

To apply on behalf of your triple helix partnership you must be based at an eligible organisation as follows:

• higher education providers
• research institutes
• public sector research establishments
• NHS bodies
• independent research organisations. Check if your organisation is eligible
• a mayoral strategic authority, or other local government partner that has been granted non-standard eligibility for this funding opportunity

Mayoral strategic authorities, and other local government partners that are not currently eligible organisations, can apply for non-standard eligibility limited to the LIPF and need to contact place@ukri.org to discuss their eligibility application.

Business and international organisations are not eligible to apply as the lead organisation (‘lead bidder’) on behalf of your triple helix partnership.

When you apply on behalf of your triple helix partnership you will be responsible for:

• convening and coordinating the partnership, should this be the agreed approach locally
• formally submitting the application ensuring it reflects the local innovation strategy, the collective ambition and capabilities of the region, and aligns with all readiness criteria
• managing the project portfolio process, overseeing portfolio development and prioritisation processes through the triple helix governance, and formally submitting the portfolio for quality assurance

This funding opportunity is delivered across two waves:

• wave 1 is for those partnerships ready to move at pace. Submissions that do not contain sufficient information will be required to resubmit as part of wave 2
• wave 2 provides additional time for places to prioritise their clusters and or their portfolio, for example, those partnerships in earlier stages of ecosystem development

Partnerships are allowed to swap from wave 1 to wave 2 following the readiness check, if that timeline suits them better. As the Earmarked Strand is not competitive, co-creation begins immediately upon the opening of the funding opportunity. Partnerships are encouraged to consider what forms of support would be of greatest benefit at different stages of the process and to engage proactively with UKRI.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. This funding opportunity is closed, with respect to the places able to apply. However, within the organisations and individual projects, we strongly encourage leadership and participation from a diverse range of people.

We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:

• career breaks
• support for people with caring responsibilities
• flexible working
• alternative working patterns

UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.