Unlocking university expertise to drive regional innovation: Arrow

Roxana Montazerian, ROXID founder and chief executive, with Chris Angus, head of business support and Arrow programme manager at Newcastle University

Arrow

www.arrowinnovation.org.uk

Since 2018, the Arrow programme has helped more than 300 regional businesses connect with university expertise and facilities.

This support has helped them develop innovative new products, technologies and services, boosting the regional economy along the way.

Estelle Blanks, Newcastle University director of business development and enterprise, says: “Arrow simplifies the process for businesses to access universities.

“It enables organisations to test-drive collaboration with universities, helping them access the expertise and facilities needed to bring innovative ideas to life.”

What is Arrow?

Arrow is a gateway for North East businesses, charities and entrepreneurs to access world-class facilities and university expertise.

Through Arrow, organisations work with dedicated innovation practitioners who help shape targeted projects and connect them with relevant academic specialists from Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland universities, along with wider regional networks.

It breaks down barriers, offering unique support and advice, and allows companies to try the relationship to ensure a good fit.

Matt Wilson, managing director, Intelligent Gels

How does Arrow support business?

The Arrow programme provides a range of support to help businesses grow, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed on their innovation journeys.

Through Arrow, businesses work with dedicated innovation practitioners that help shape tailored projects and connect them with relevant academic specialists.

This support may include help with research and development, proof of concept and validation, specialist data science expertise or access to research facilities and equipment.

What organisations has Arrow supported?

Wallsend-based subsea engineering firm Walker Subsea is one of many Arrow success stories.

It collaborated with Arrow at Northumbria University to improve the thermal management and safety of an underwater battery pack, identifying suitable coolant options and potential suppliers.

Vahid Walker, founder of Walker Subsea Engineering, says: “Arrow has been instrumental in helping us refine our underwater battery technology.

“Northumbria University’s expertise in fluid chemistry gave us insights we wouldn’t otherwise have been able to access.

“Beyond technical support, the connections and networking opportunities have been invaluable.

“This project has opened doors for continued collaboration, and we look forward to working with the university on future innovations.”

Entrepreneur Andrew Turner worked with Arrow experts at the University of Sunderland to develop a device capable of travelling through water networks and capturing operational data, using computational modelling to explore possible design concepts.

Andrew, founder of Andrew Turner Inventions, says: “The expertise provided by Arrow was incredibly valuable.

“Its specialised knowledge helped solve a very niche problem, and the support exceeded my expectations.

“I would highly recommend Arrow to anyone needing targeted academic expertise to advance their innovation.”

Heritage technology start-up ROXID partnered with Arrow specialists at the National Innovation Centre for Data at Newcastle University to develop artificial intelligence tools that automate the collection and analysis of heritage site information.

Roxana Montazerian, ROXID founder and chief executive, says: “The project helped us understand the potential of artificial intelligence in our field and connected us with world-class experts.

“Their support was instrumental in shaping our digital application and securing further funding and investment.”

Arrow researchers at Durham University informed the development of EU-compliant coloured gels for Durham-based Intelligent Gels.

Matt Wilson, Intelligent Gels’ managing director, adds: “Arrow gave us the tools to tackle a complex problem head-on.

“Its approach has not only advanced our product development, but also strengthened our partnership with Durham University.”

What has Arrow achieved so far?

More than 300 businesses have already benefited from the programme through access to research, university experts or facilities to accelerate product development, and access to wider networks, long-term collaborators and collaborative bids.

Why are universities supporting regional businesses?

Through its support for North East enterprises, Arrow has stimulated innovation across the whole region, bolstering growth and employment.

Arrow’s impact lies in making innovation more accessible, enabling North East businesses to build capability, invest in long-term innovation and shape their own growth trajectories.

Over time, this more inclusive approach to innovation will help strengthen the region’s business base and support more resilient, innovation-led growth.

Jenny Taylor, Norhumbria University executive director of research and innovation services, says: “The North East is full of brilliant businesses doing really exciting things.

“And by supporting them on the delivery of their innovation projects, we enable them to grow, deliver jobs, enjoy economic success and help retain talent in the region.”

Dr Gareth Crapper, Arrow senior innovation associate at Northumbria University, left, with Vahid Walker, founder of Walker Subsea Engineering

Who is eligible?

Organisations, individuals and businesses from across the region looking to take a new or innovative product or service to market are eligible to work on a fully-funded innovation project with Arrow.

Thanks to renewed funding from the North East Combined Authority, organisations in Gateshead, Wearside and South Tyneside can now join those in Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and County Durham in accessing Arrow.

Richard Baker, Durham University director of economic development and commercialisation, adds: “It’s fantastic news that Arrow will be able to work with businesses to support their innovation projects across the entire North East Combined Authority area.”

To learn how Arrow could help your organisation innovate, and to get in touch, visit www.arrowinnovation.org.uk