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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Latest News

New Innovate Essex Fund opens opportunities for Essex businesses

28/10/2026
Businesses across Essex can now access new support through the Innovate Essex Fund. The fund is for Essex-based start-ups, SMEs and social enterprises that want to develop new ideas, products or services. It offers three routes: Explore, Develop and Scale. As a result, businesses...

The EpiCentre launches Emerging Innovator Programme

27/10/2026
One ambitious innovator will receive a 12-month package of support worth more than £25,000, including laboratory space, mentoring and access to a thriving community of innovators. The EpiCentre, based at Haverhill Research Park, is launching its new Emerging Innovator Programme, designed to accelerate the...

Slush 2026 Profile: Vertically Pure

23/10/2026
Who Are Vertically Pure? Vertically Pure is seeking £5,000,000 in equity investment to fund the commercial fit-out of our low-carbon vertical farming facility near Ipswich. We are raising this capital to scale our proven agricultural model, capture an expanding market, and launch commercial production...
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!