We are beacons of
Midlands Innovation

Leicester and Leicestershire are building an innovation ecosystem of collaboration, growth and opportunity. Our vision is for a prosperous regional economy with businesses and communities that are inclusive, productive and sustainable.

Helen Donnellan
Dr Nik Kotecha speaking at Innovation Festival
Nik Kotecha
Interior of Space Park
Byron Dixon
Innovation award
Helen Donnellan
Dr Nik Kotecha speaking at Innovation Festival
Nik Kotecha
Interior of Space Park
Byron Dixon
Innovation award
Dr Nik Kotecha
“Our goal is more than gaining investment. We also aim to harness the energy and potential of people coming together with ideas.
“We’re creating platforms for people to share with peers what their organisations have done to achieve more while using less.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL

Chair, LLEP Innovation Board

What is Innovative Leicestershire?

Innovation
Board

Leading

Innovation
Strategy

Planning

Innovation
Festival

Developing

Innovation
Awards

Celebrating
Innovative Leicestershire team
Innovation Board

The LLEP Innovation Board leads Innovation Strategy for Leicester and Leicestershire. Its members are senior leaders and entrepreneurs from regional business, non-profits, higher education, and Government agencies.

How we lead
Dr Nik Kotecha speaking at Innovation Festival
Innovation Strategy

The Innovation Strategy is a 10-point plan for increasing regional productivity and prosperity in Leicester and Leicestershire. It was developed after the LLEP successfully completed MIT’s Regional Accelerator Program - one of only a handful of regions in the UK to do so.

How we plan
Festival event at space park Leicester
Innovation Festival

The annual Leicestershire Innovation Festival was launched in 2018. It has grown each year and now stages 20+ events across a fortnight every February. It is organised by the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub.

Developing innovation
Innovation awards
Innovation Awards

The LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards is one of the most exciting and anticipated events in the Midlands business calendar. Each year, it celebrates dozens of organisations, ranging from start-ups and social entrepreneurs to researchers whose discoveries are changing the world.

About the Awards

Our Partners

Our Associates and Stakeholders

Get involved with Innovative Leicestershire

Collaboration is fundamental to achieving our goals. If you are interested in becoming part of what we are doing then there are a host of ways to get involved, from attending an event to relocating your organisation.

Innovative Leicestershire team

How can we help you innovate?

1

Support for small business

The Business Gateway Growth Hub offers guidance for businesses seeking advice, information and funding - as do a host of incubators in our region.

2

Locate in Leicestershire

We are the largest economy in the East Midlands and one of the best-connected areas in the UK - your perfect next business destination.

3

Knowledge partnerships

De Montfort University, Loughborough University and University of Leicester are working together to boost regional prosperity and increase impact for people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.