Arrow

Innovation support
Arrow is a bespoke innovation support programme piloted by Newcastle University and delivered in partnership with Durham University, Northumbria University and the University of Sunderland. The scheme overcomes known barriers to engagement with small businesses. 

Arrow simplified the process for SMEs to engage with leading North East Universities. It has increased collaboration across a range of HE research and innovation activities. The scheme levers the Universities expertise, assets, and resources. This helps businesses to accelerate their own development and commercialisation programmes.

A dedicated team
Arrow breaks away from the traditional ‘brokerage’ model where businesses are matched with academic staff. Instead, Arrow employs a dedicated team of Innovation Associates. They work directly with SMEs. They take the lead on project delivery and bring in academic expertise and insight as required during the project.Benefits are two-way. There are direct benefits for SMEs. For the University, academics develop their knowledge of commercialisation, hone skills in engagement, and identify new routes to impact. Combined, the regional economy is also strengthened.

Innovate and evolve: benefits to businesses

Arrow brings business and academic research together to help businesses advance and to help ideas flourish like never before.Arrow can help regional businesses overcome hurdles to innovation. 

They connect them with the right expertise and facilities from across four leading North East universities:

Durham University
Newcastle University
Northumbria University
University of Sunderland

Businesses from County Durham, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland are eligible for these short-term innovation projects. Support on these projects can include:

one-to-one time with experts
innovation support
research and development
proof of concept and validation
specialist data science expertise
access to research facilities and equipment
Driving change and delivering results

More than 300 SMEs in the North East are seeing great results after engaging with Arrow. 143 new jobs have been created so far, invigorating careers and bringing talent to our region.53 new products and services have been developed, boosting private investment by £2.6m and increasing business turnover by £16.9m. Arrow innovation projects are helping to speed up processes and break down barriers to success.