Local Innovation Partnerships Fund: Competed Strand
Award: Up to £20 Million
Programme: UK Research and Innovation
Closes: 12 February 2026
Overview
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) is a major UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)-led programme designed to unlock innovation-led economic growth across the UK by investing in high-potential innovation clusters geographic groupings of businesses, research organisations and civic partners that drive research commercialisation, technology adoption and scalable economic impact.
With a total commitment of up to £500 million, the LIPF supports place-based innovation through two strands: an Earmarked Strand for pre-selected regions with established governance and innovation strengths, and a Competed Strand open to other areas across the UK. Both strands focus on enabling collaborative innovation portfolios developed by local “triple helix” partnerships, alliances of civic institutions, businesses and universities to translate local research and innovation assets into commercial opportunities and long-term regional growth.
Award & Project Duration
Award: Up to £20 Million.
Project: Projects funded by the LIPF are expected to accelerate near-to-market research and innovation, foster private investment, create jobs and strengthen local innovation ecosystems.
Key Dates
Closes: 12th February 2026.
