Knowledge Exchange Award for Northern Accelerator
Northern Accelerator, a collaboration between universities across the North East to support spin-out companies, won the prestigious Place-Based Knowledge Exchange (KE) Initiative of the Year.
26 November 2024
Northern Accelerator, a collaboration between universities across the North East to support spin-out companies, has been awarded the prestigious Place-Based Knowledge Exchange (KE) Initiative of the Year at the PraxisAuril Knowledge Exchange Awards 2024 held in Bristol last week.
The Award recognises Northern Accelerator's impact in transforming research commercialisation and driving economic growth, innovation, and social value, through the partnership of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland, Teesside and York Universities.
Translating research into sustainable business
Northern Accelerator plays a key role in turning world-leading academic research into sustainable business ventures. It supports academics in the North East and North Yorkshire to create R&D-focused, high-potential spinouts that drive social and environmental progress while fostering economic growth. By offering tailored training, funding opportunities, networking platforms, and leadership support, Northern Accelerator has significantly boosted the commercialisation of research.
The programme’s shared vision - embraced by its partners, founders, and funders - aims to contribute to economic growth in the North East. To date, over 50 businesses have been launched, many now thriving in innovation hubs such as Newcastle Helix and Durham’s NETPark.
Place-based collaboration
Northern Accelerator’s success highlights the North East’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, research, and development. By prioritising place-based knowledge exchange, Northern Accelerator ensures that the economic and societal benefits of research commercialisation are felt locally - through job creation, investment, and regional regeneration.
This award underlines Northern Accelerator’s ongoing contribution to transforming the North East into a thriving centre for sustainable business growth and cutting-edge innovation.
Recognition for Arrow at Knowledge Exchange Awards
Arrow, a pioneering collaborative innovation support programme, between Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, and the University of Sunderland was also a finalist for the Knowledge Exchange Team of the Year Award.
Arrow matches regional businesses with university expertise to drive forward innovation and impactful knowledge exchange, and has already supported over 200 regional businesses in the North East of England.
Funding and Support
Northern Accelerator is funded by Research England’s Connecting Capability Fund, and both Arrow and Northern Accelerator are part-funded by the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund through Durham County Council and the North East Combined Authority.
Recognition for Excellence in Knowledge Exchange
Knowledge Exchange UK (formerly PraxisAuril) is a global network supporting professional knowledge exchange and commercialisation between universities and businesses. Knowledge Exchange UK empowers members to excel in bridging the gap between academic innovation and commercial application, standing out as leaders in the field worldwide.
