Research and Innovation

Research, innovation and development allows you to explore new possibilities, test new ideas, and develop new products and processes.

Your research and innovation partner

Research and innovation can take many forms: from developing a new product to redesigning a business process. Investing in research and innovation can give you a competitive edge and future-proof your business. But in many organisations, it can be difficult to get the time, the right expertise, or the technology to do it all in-house. Partnering with us could be the solution.

We have over 500 researchers with expertise in a range of fields and access to the latest specialist equipment. We can also help you apply for funding to make research and innovation more affordable.

Funded programmes for local SMEs

If you are from a small or medium-sized business in Derbyshire or Nottinghamshire, you may be eligible for funding to support your research or innovation project. Click on a programme below to find out more.

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Productivity through Innovation

Increase the performance and productivity of your business with funding, support and expertise from our University.

Innovate 4 Rail

Get practical support to develop new products and solutions for the rail industry.

DE-Carbonise Project

The DE-Carbonise project helped businesses reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, and increase their sustainability.

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Enscite

Enscite currently offers funded workshops and grant funding for graduates, to SMEs in the transport equipment manufacturing supply chain.

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Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)

Form a partnership with us and a recent graduate, to drive forward a high-priority project for your business. We can access government funding, which can pay for up to two thirds of the project cost.

More about KTPsMore about KTPs

Case studies

Find out about some of the businesses we're helping. 

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Supporting innovation in rail infrastructure

Rail engineering and infrastructure consultancy ECSL Ltd, has secured funded technical support and expertise from our Innovate 4 Rail programme for their research project into Fibre Reinforced Po...

Researching the impact of a medical device

The Productivity through Innovation programme is currently helping to fund a research project with SOE Health, a company that develops medical devices for sufferers of COPD.

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Developing a unique solution to reduce outdoor air pollution

We've supported new venture, Tech Air Solutions, with fully-funded research that has helped them understand the science behind their new cleaning air solution.

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A Long Term Knowledge Exchange Collaboration with SureScreen

For the last six years, the University of Derby has successfully collaborated with analytical laboratory, SureScreen Scientifics, and its sister company, SureScreen Diagnostics Ltd, on a range of know...

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Improving fault-finding in solar PV systems

We're supporting an electrical design consultancy's research into faults in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, so that it can develop solutions to protect against these.

A new Covid Collaboration with the NHS and Riverside Medical Packaging

During the pandemic, our research engineers worked with local NHS trusts and Derby-based SME, Riverside Medical Packaging Ltd, to design and manufacture face shields for healthcare staff caring for pa...

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Explore our research specialisms

We have 16 different research centres and groups, focused on fields such as Data Science, Human Sciences, and Sustainable Engineering. Find out more about our expertise and see whether we could be a good fit for your business.

View Research Centres and GroupsView Research Centres and Groups

Contact us

To find out more about how you could benefit from our expertise, talk to our Business Services team.