Innovation Grant Mentoring

Are you ready to transform your innovation idea into something worthy of innovation funding, but don’t know where to start? We have the solution for you!

Join our Expert Edge session to discover the importance of innovation funding and how it can accelerate your business’s growth plans.

Led by the Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme and innovation experts Johanna Staines and Paul Walland, this event will help you to:

• Establish a thorough understanding of innovation funding
• Know what funders are looking for
• Consider which points have value in a grant application
• Demonstrate impact for future growth

You’ll also meet the team behind Innovation Grant Mentoring, who will discuss the free support available to Suffolk innovators and how to tap into it.

Why attend?

Designed for innovative businesses, this event will give Suffolk entrepreneurs a clear understanding how Suffolk businesses can successfully apply for innovation funding - from shaping a strong idea to confidently applying for grants – to reduce risk, accelerate growth and unlock new opportunities.

What will I gain?

• A clearer understanding of the UK innovation funding landscape
• Expert insight from experienced innovation and grant specialists
• Information on free business support available to Suffolk innovators
• Confidence to shape your idea towards funding success
• Actionable advice to avoid costly mistakes

Innovation Grant Mentoring

Innovation Grant Mentoring is a dedicated support service for micro, small and medium-sized businesses across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, which provides free innovation mentoring and bid coaching support to secure funding from organisations such as Innovate UK.

Expert Edge

Expert Edge is a new series of innovative and collaborative business workshops brought to you by Stowmarket Innovation Gateway. They bring together specialist expertise to help businesses overcome challenges, seize opportunities and accelerate growth.

Speaker Bios

Laura Hill: Innovation Grant Mentoring – Project Manager

Laura leads the Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme. With a background in food science and innovation, Laura brings her own experience of working in innovation into the programme. She helps businesses navigate Innovate UK and other sector specific funding opportunities, connecting them with expert mentors who can challenge thinking, develop ideas and help businesses to shape strong innovation funding applications.

Johanna Staines: Strategic Science Solutions Ltd – Director

With over 20 years’ experience in innovation focused scientific organisations, Johanna brings extensive experience spanning science, strategy and leadership, from the bench through to the boardroom. Following her most recent role as Head of Strategy at the Sanger Institute, Johanna established Strategic Science Solutions Ltd, where she supports businesses and individuals across Norfolk and Suffolk with strategy, funding and innovation.

Paul Walland: Black Kite® Ltd - Senior Technology Manager

Paul is an experienced technology and innovation specialist with more than 25 years’ experience leading R&D teams, developing innovative products and securing funding for major UK and European projects.

A former Innovation Director at the University of Southampton’s IT Innovation Centre, Paul joined Black Kite® in 2017. He now supports businesses with technology reviews and grant funding bids, alongside providing monitoring services for Innovate UK projects. His extensive experience in innovation management, commercialisation and funding gives him valuable insight into what makes an innovative project and funding application stand out.

Event venue & nearby stays

STOWMARKET INNOVATION GATEWAY, Stowmarket Innovation Gateway, Stowmarket, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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