Our Hubs and Centres

For centuries, the East of England has been home to merchants and thinkers, makers and inventors. Today, it remains at the forefront of the UK’s innovation landscape.  Connected Innovation has established the UK’s largest regional network of innovation centres and hubs, research institutes,  universities and Freeports. Our programme brings together R&D institutions, entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, and corporates across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. We provide our region’s innovators with a sense of place and purpose, facilitating collaboration, productivity, and growth. Our hub network is diverse, supporting a wide range of high-value, research-focused sectors. Connected Innovation fortifies links within and between hubs, creating a strong regional ecosystem and sense of community.

Why Join?

Being part of the Connected Innovation network comes with a range of benefits:

Learn best practices from other hubs to boost your offering

Be part of the force driving inward investment to the region

Increase your visibility & exposure

Join the clusters working to build a better future

Deliver added value to the businesses within your hub or centre

36
36 connected innovation hubs and centres of excellence

Partnering with Connected Innovation means your businesses can access support and workspace across the network, explore R&D and investment opportunities, and access the programme’s technological capabilities.

800+
Network of over 800 innovative businesses

Join a thriving community of hubs and centres of excellence working across a range of high-growth sectors, including health and life sciences, agri-tech, engineering, energy, manufacturing, marine science, AI, and space.

£10m+
Securing c.£10m in regional innovation programmes supporting Creative Industries, Agri-Tech and Food Tech, and early-stage tech start-ups

We’re connected with a range of partners across the innovation landscape delivering programmes that helps businesses to access funding opportunities, and spotlights regional activity to drive inward investment.

1 million
Over 1 million ft² of buildings within the Innovation Hubs network

Made up of laboratories, offices, workshops, co-working spaces, studios, teaching space and research facilities.

20,000
Over 20,000 people working across the Innovation Hub network

From researchers and scientists to engineers and designers – the Connected Innovation Network is made up of a diverse range of skills.

100+
Events delivered, sponsored and supported by the Connected Innovation project

These events have been attended by over 4,500+ attendees and have supported technological strengths, cross-sector innovation opportunities, specific clusters and linked to the local and national innovation support offering.

Stock image of team working together

Find Your Place

Our hubs and centres of excellence are driving innovation-led growth across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Use our interactive map to discover the hubs in our network.

Image taken at the Connected Innovation Conference

Ready to make your mark?

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