Welcome to Connected Innovation

Joining the dots across the East of England’s innovation ecosystem

The world is facing significant economic and environmental challenges and no one sector has the answers. Complex problems cannot be tackled without collaboration and shared perspectives. To achieve meaningful, solution-focused innovation, the academic, public, and private sectors must come together and share ideas, talent, and technologies.

Connected Innovation is making this happen by linking together incubators, innovation hubs, universities, research institutes, and cluster networks across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. We connect the dots to drive innovation in the East, building relationships between our world-leading research and business base, and unlocking support and investment opportunities for all businesses driving innovation in the region.

Learn more about the network here
Connected Innovation Graphic

Join Our Network

Want to be part of the UK’s largest regional network of innovation centres and hubs, research institutes and universities? Here’s how you can benefit from joining our community.

Learn more about our network
Connected Innovation Graphic

Global Problems, Local Solutions

Our clusters are working across sectors to transform innovative ideas into action. Learn more about our cross-sector collaborations and find your place.

Learn more about our clusters
Connected Innovation Graphic

Funding and Support

We’re simplifying the support and innovation landscape for regional businesses. Use our portal to explore the latest funding, investment, and training opportunities.

Learn more about business support

Our Partners

We’re connected with a range of partners across the regional and national innovation landscape.
Agri-TechE Logo
BT Logo
Cefas Logo
Creative East Logo
East Wind Logo
Freeport East Logo
Hethel Innovation logo
Hydrogen East Logo
Innovate UK logo
Innovate UK Business Connect Logo
Innovate UK Business Growth Logo
MENTA Logo
NAAME Logo
New Anglia Growth Hub logo
Norwich Research Park Logo
Oxford Innovation logo
Space East logo
Tech East logo
University of East Anglia logo
University of Suffolk logo
Norwich University of the Arts logo
EEEGR logo
Tastebuds logo
Space Enterprise Lab logo
Ambitious Essex Logo
Anglia Ruskin University
University of Essex Logo
Thames Freeport Logo
Catapult Cell and Gene Therapy Logo
Catapult Offshore Renewable Energy Logo
Catapult Satellite Applications Logo
Meet our partners
OrbisEnergy Image

Pioneers in Clean Growth

East Anglia is the UK’s clean growth region and has been critical to the nation’s energy security and supply for 50 years. Find out how our clusters are leading the charge towards Net Zero, with innovative projects in Agri-tech, offshore energy, and marine science.

Find out more

Latest News

Local SMEs strengthen cyber defences and resilience thanks to support from Freeport East and the University of Essex

08/04/2026
In response to rising cybersecurity threats, a group of eight small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Suffolk and Essex have successfully completed the Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE) programme, delivered by Freeport East in partnership with the University of Essex, and funded by Innovate UK. The...
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Turning the tide on plastic: The UEA student start-up transforming pregnancy testing with seaweed

08/04/2026
A student at the University of East Anglia (UEA) hopes to create a 100% plastic-free pregnancy test, to tackle the environmental impact of millions of single-use tests discarded each year. Penelope Helbest, who is currently studying on the MA Creative Writing programme, has created Kelpy: an eco-friendly sexual...
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Norwich Research Park companies pass £200m investment milestone

08/04/2026
A mark of success of a company, and a region, is the amount of inward investment it can attract. It is a signal of confidence in the growth potential and credibility of the companies in the local area. In February, we were able to...
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Image taken at the Connected Innovation Conference

Ready to make your mark?

Are you a business, business/innovation hub, or investor interesting in getting involved in Connected Innovation? We want to hear from you!

Get in touch