University delivers new programme enabling Cornish businesses to take innovation in their stride

STRIDE will support businesses working in the clean energy resources, geo-resources, data and space, visitor economy and agri-food sectors

Automated Brassica Harvesting in Cornwall project

10 October 2023

Businesses looking to commercially exploit new ideas and technology can gain support from a new programme being delivered by the University of Plymouth.

STRIDE (success through research, innovation and development excellence) is a bespoke programme championing innovation across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, it aims to empower businesses to unleash their potential to scale and grow.

The project supports sectors detailed within the Good Growth Investment Plan – clean energy resources, geo-resources, data and space, visitor economy and agri-food – as well as businesses who are looking to commercially exploit new ideas, drive growth and increase productivity through research and innovation.

We are delighted to have received funding from the Cornwall & IoS Shared Prosperity Fund which will enable us to continue working with innovative businesses across the county. As a commercial impact project, we are committed to helping businesses in Cornwall identify opportunities that create value and competitive advantage. Led by qualified innovation professionals, businesses can expect expert guidance, intensive support, strategic direction, research, and academic expertise all of which will help to de-risk a new innovation and expedite success.

Jo Hancock
Programme Manager – STRIDE

From intellectual property and R&D tax credits to game-changing scale-up endeavours, the programme will work with businesses on their journey to make innovative processes and commercially viable products and services a reality.

It will offer a range of support including Innovation Masterclasses and specialist surgeries to those who are in the early stages of innovation, and access to a wealth of knowledge available through the University’s industry leading facilities and world-renowned academics to enterprises who are more innovatively mature.

The Council is committed to empowering and enabling businesses to recognise and fulfil their potential so that they can thrive and grow. By doing so they can contribute to Cornwall’s economy and increase opportunities for well-paid jobs for our residents. Invaluable initiatives such as STRIDE offer businesses the specialist support they need to help them on that journey.

Louis Gardner
Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy

The project has been launched just days after the University was acknowledged for its work to support and empower businesses across the South West and beyond.

In the third edition of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), the University was recognised for the support it provides to graduate startups, and for its ongoing efforts to enable small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) to benefit from its expertise and facilities.

It was also listed among the country’s leading universities for its work to support local growth and regeneration, reflecting its ongoing work to support the development and delivery of local economic strategies, and schemes such as the Cornwall Innovation Centres and Acceleration Through Innovation (ATI).

The University of Plymouth has received £947,579.65 funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, known locally as the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Fund, to manage the STRIDE programme.

Read more about our work to support economic growth in Cornwall