Innovation and Research

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

We are right at the heart of the issues, challenges and opportunities that are critical to growing innovation and business - here and around the world.
Working with and within businesses and partner organisations we invest resources to stimulate Research and Development, open up facilities to support innovation and break down barriers to improve productivity and accelerate growth.

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Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)

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.

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Consultancy for business

We offer a range of consultancy services to businesses large and small. This service offers support on project from large to small and will provide you with a new perspective.

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Innovate UK Funding

Case studies

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

Train speeds through station and under bridge
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.

Illustration of exhaust fumes outside school gate
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...

Solar panels close up
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.