Early Stage Design in Innovation

Design is a powerful tool when used effectively throughout the entire life of an innovation project – from concept all the way through to commercialisation.

It can lead to time and cost savings and better project outcomes, especially when embedded early in a project’s life cycle.

The UK is in the premier league of creativity and design boasting a multidisciplinary sector, from strategic design to brand design. According to a Department for Business, Innovation and Skills report, every £1 invested in design provides an average return on investment of £25. There is a huge opportunity for UK companies to increase their use of design in early stage innovation to deliver products and services with increased ‘market pull’ and improved social, economic and environmental impact.

The Early Stage Design in Innovation Guide helps businesses explore how design can be used in innovation and what is needed to create the best environment for design to deliver high value.

Explore the guide here.

Our Early Stage Design in Innovation Expert

John Bound

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Funding Opportunities

Young Innovators Awards 2021/22

Young people (aged 18-30 on 28th July 2021) can apply for an award to make their business idea a reality, which includes a grant for £5,000, a living allowance, and tailored business support.

Opens: 14/06/2021 Closes: 28/07/2021

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Scottish EDGE - Apply by 10th Aug for up to £100k business funding

Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth entrepreneurial talent. Companies of all sectors and stages can apply for funding of up to £100,000 on a split grant/ loan basis, and there is additional funding for pre-trading companies, sole-traders, partnerships, and under-30s.

Opens: 06/07/2021 Closes: 10/08/2021

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News

13.01.2021

Collaborating and building community to support innovators who are Navigating the Design to Manufacture Journey

Innovators always need help on their journey to overcome key challenges and barriers. Our recently launched Navigating the Design to Manufacture Journey: A Guidebook can help circumnavigate some of those barriers.

12.01.2021

Young inventors working for a better world

From plastic alternatives derived from seaweed to socially-aware robotic companions for people living in care homes, the winners of this year’s Young Innovators’ Awards, announced today by Innovate UK and The Prince’s Trust, look set to tackle some of our biggest societal challenges.

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