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Driving Regional Growth: The power of university-led innovation

Tuesday 19 May 2026
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm
North East England Pavilion 14: Located in the Pink Zone on the Dockside and Dock Water, UKREiiF

As centres of knowledge and innovation, universities play a pivotal role in attracting investment and driving economic growth across regions

Join colleagues from Universities for North East England who will alongside industry, discuss how innovation eco-systems contribute to economic growth.

This session, hosted by Universities for North East England, brings together academia and industry leaders to explore how innovation ecosystems support regional prosperity and growth.

Universities are major engines of innovation through expertise, research funding and commercialisation. There are challenges, however universities remain a reliable source of high-impact innovation and play a crucial role in the growth of strategically important sectors, such as space, green energy, science and technology.

The region is home to three innovation districts and a Space Skills and Technology Centre, including Newcastle Helix and NETPark where the public sector, industry and academic collaborate to create a space for innovation and a place where businesses can thrive.

BE100 SCALE winner Low Carbon Materials is university spin will talk about their journey and pioneering work in carbon-negative materials and as one of the UK’s most innovative and impactful businesses. L&G will also join the panel as a long-term investment partner for Newcastle Helix.

Together, the panel will highlight how collaboration between universities, industry, and investors can unlock innovation, attract capital, and drive sustainable regional growth.

Sponsored by:

Speakers:

Professer Jane Robinson, Executive Group Chair, Universities for North East England and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place, Newcastle University

Estelle Blanks, Universities for North East England Executive Business & Innovation Group Member and Director of Newcastle Innovations, Newcastle University

Dan Monnery, Universities for North East England Executive Group Member and Pro Vice-Chancellor External Affairs, Northumbria University

Phil Witcherley, Director of Economic Growth & Innovation

North East Combined Authority

Natasha Boulding, Co-Founder

Low Carbon Materials

Ben Rodgers, Head of Regeneration

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