As a result of the global pandemic, investing in digital innovation has never been more essential. The University of Plymouth is launching a new platform to help businesses in Cornwall do just that.
The Innovation Studio - created through the Acceleration Through Innovation 2 (ATI2) programme built by design agency Vitamin Cornwall - will be available for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Monday 25 January.
The platform will assist SMEs in tackling some of their challenges by accessing fully-funded cutting-edge technology to work through accredited tools and resources, knowledge exchange and webinars.
As the platform continues to develop, businesses will be able to use the tools to work remotely in their home environment or with their teams, allowing each business to create their own personal profile to capture their journey and log their progress.
The user journey has specifically been designed to assist businesses working through a themed pathway following completion of a capability audit to enhance their journey.
Jo Hancock, Programme Manager at ATI2, said:
"It was really important to us when designing the studio that businesses felt that their experience on the platform was tailored to suit their specific business. In order to do this, we created multiple pathways which support different aspects of the innovation journey. By investing in a digital platform, ATI2 is now able to share the latest resources and tools specifically designed to help businesses innovate, grow and become more sustainable; it's hugely exciting for businesses in Cornwall."
Kathryn White, Studio Manager at Vitamin Cornwall, added:
"From the outset we wanted to create a really engaging platform where the user felt like they were entering an innovation journey; a path that could turn their idea into a viable business. It was important to keep location at the heart of the design by bringing in strong and iconic images of Cornwall and overlaying it with a modern look to reflect the cutting-edge industries and businesses that are located here."
ATI2 supports businesses in Cornwall to drive new opportunities via the introduction of innovation methodologies which accelerate the pace of growth. Led by the University of Plymouth, and part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project helps business to take their ideas from concept to reality.
The Innovation Studio is the latest University initiative designed to support businesses in these challenging times.
In November, it launched a £200,000 Research and Development Solutions Fund to stimulate industrial collaborations and knowledge transfer opportunities during the ongoing pandemic.
It is also hosting a series of Facebook sessions for Cornish businesses, highlighting the University's expertise in business support and knowledge exchange as well as making company bosses and entrepreneurs aware of various funding sources currently available.
Interested businesses can register their interest to view the new fully-funded Innovation Studio at www.aticornwallinnovation.co.uk.
