This summer, the University of Northampton is turning up the heat on innovation—and serving it with a shot of espresso.
Following the release of the Northamptonshire Innovation Ecosystem Report (NIER) and the launch of the Fuelling Innovation campaign, the University is rolling out a, county-wide initiative designed to inspire, connect, and empower local businesses with the tools and networks they need to thrive.
Fuelling Big Ideas—One Cup at a Time
At the heart of the campaign is the Fuelling Innovation Coffee Tour, a mobile initiative bringing barista-quality coffee and expert advice directly to business leaders across Northamptonshire. These informal meetups offer a relaxed space for founders, entrepreneurs, innovators, Directors and Managers to explore growth opportunities, access support, and tap into funded initiatives.
“The Coffee Tour is about taking the University of Northampton out to where the businesses are,” said Helen Miller, Head of Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise at the University of Northampton. “It’s about building relationships. We want businesses to feel there’s a front door they can walk through—and sometimes that front door is easier to access then they think it is.”
The tour will make key stops throughout September, including:
- Thursday 11 September – Northants Chamber Business Expo, Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
Featuring an innovation presentation in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. - Tuesday 16 September – Corby Enterprise Centre
A full day of workshops and networking with North Northamptonshire Council and the South Midlands Growth Hub. - Wednesday 17 September – Silverstone Park
A day of collaboration at one of the county’s leading innovation hubs. Including the Northamptonshire Manufacturing Forum and MadeSmarter Manufacturing
Whether you’re looking to collaborate with the University and partners, get inspired, find out about what funding is available or simply hear about the talent pipeline on your doorstep, this your chance!
Don’t just attend—ignite your next big idea with us
Launching a New Era of Innovation
The campaign kicked off with the launch of the NIER at UON’s Waterside Campus in June. The report revealed a vibrant start-up culture in Northamptonshire—but also a lower-than-average five-year business survival rate (37% vs. 40% nationally).
To shift this trend, the Fuelling Innovation campaign unites key partners—including Innovate UK, Silverstone Technology Cluster, NNBN, and the South Midlands Growth Hub—to provide sustained, practical support for local enterprise.
“Innovation is the lifeblood of economic growth,” said Dr Cathy Smith, Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange at UON. “This campaign and the report are the beginning of a broader movement to position Northamptonshire as a national leader in innovation-led growth.”
Accelerating the Future at Silverstone
Momentum continued at the Silverstone Vision 2035 launch, where UON play a pivotal role in shaping a strategic vision for the region’s long-term development. The Silverstone Vision 2035 plan outlines how the area can evolve into a global hub for high-performance innovation, building on its motorsport legacy.
UON’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact is also contributing by developing an economic and social impact study for Silverstone Circuit—demonstrating the University’s commitment to research-led, real-world impact.
What’s Next: Events You Won’t Want to Miss
The Fuelling Innovation calendar continues with a mix of webinars and workshops:
- My Innovation Journey
Thursday 4th September, 10am–12pm, Vulcan Works, Northampton
Hear local business leaders share the highs and hurdles of their innovation journeys in partnership with Vulcan Works and NNBN. - Alternative Funding for the Midlands – Part 1 & 2
Tuesday 9th & 23rd September 12-1pm, Online
In partnership with the British Business Bank, this webinar explores non-traditional funding routes for Midlands-based businesses.
See https://www.northampton.ac.uk/business/fuelling-innovation/ for the full schedule
