North East LEP launches coronavirus innovation programme to support SMEs

A North East organisation has announced that it is launching a new innovation programme to support SMEs in the region.

Through Challenge North East, a new open innovation programme spearheaded by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), is providing SMEs with up to £5k in grant funding to develop solutions to specific challenges.

Solutions could revolve around the creative direction of events, digital opportunities, COVID-19-related measures, how people move round venues, public confidence and more.

Ideas for new ways of working and support for those who deliver and rely on in-home services will be eligible for funding and development support.

Challenge North East is being delivered by the Innovation SuperNetwork, Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley and Sunderland Software City.

Alan Welby, director of innovation at the North East LEP, commented: “Two of the best things about the North East are its entrepreneurial nature and collaborative spirit.

“Through Challenge North East we want to harness both these things to resolve some of the issues that life with COVID-19 has presented.

“We’re confident that these two open innovation challenges will yield some excellent results and can’t wait to see what our regional businesses come back with.”

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