Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, if he will take steps to ensure that the work of Innovate UK in supporting business-led innovation benefits all areas of the UK.

Innovate UK operates across the whole of the UK to stimulate technology development and innovation. Its competitions, which help develop ideas into successful products and services, are open to all UK based companies.

Innovate UK has developed strong relationships with local organisations interested in driving innovation across the UK. In Northern Ireland, Innovate UK has instigated several specialist delegations to engage with businesses and government. It is working with Invest NI, DETI, Universities and others to increase awareness of its programmes so that more applications for funding are received from Northern Irish businesses.