LYVA Labs awarded advanced manufacturing innovation cluster manager role

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Cluster Manager role for Liverpool City Region as part of Innovate UK’s ground-breaking Launchpad programme.

Liverpool City Region was chosen as one of two pilot cluster Launchpads which aim to drive innovation in England’s regions. Launchpad focuses on developing innovations that will transform the region’s advanced manufacturing cluster, with an emphasis on digital technologies and net zero outcomes.

Last week, 23 projects were announced as recipients of Innovate UK first round of Launchpad grant funding securing nearly £5.5m. Alongside those awards, Innovate UK sought a lead organisation to develop and manage the emergent innovation cluster for advanced manufacturing within Liverpool City Region. LYVA Labs has been chosen to lead on this activity until March 2025.

Joining LYVA Labs as Innovation Manager for the Advanced Manufacturing Cluster is Paul Tallon. Paul is an experienced Design Engineer whose past work includes 8 years as a manager and consultant at 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. His role will include fostering collaborative engagements, growing the network and celebrating the technologies, projects, skills and assets in our advanced manufacturing cluster.

An exciting range of activities is planned for the two-year programme, including the establishment of both in-person and online communities, with the involvement of key city region and national stakeholders who supported LYVA Labs’ bid. We will support cluster members to leverage other public and private funding to increase their R&D activity and commercialise new technologies that will bring major benefits to Liverpool City Region. We’re looking forward to sharing more details with you soon.

Lorna Green, CEO of LYVA Labs, said: “LYVA Labs was established to deliver economic growth through commercialisation of innovation; inspiring ideas, creating partnerships and attracting investment. Securing this Innovate UK contract, within our first year of operation, provides us with the resources to support even more ambitious business to innovate and to develop a nationally recognised advanced manufacturing cluster.”

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has pledged to invest 5% of local GVA in R&D by 2030 and the advanced manufacturing innovation cluster, as one of the largest and most productive in the UK, will play a crucial role in supporting these goals.

If you would like to get involved in the Launchpad Cluster please contact us directly and please subscribe to our newsletter below to keep up to date with our work.