When businesses stop to think: the power of the ADAPT Innovation Bootcamp
Ideas were refined, assumptions tested and plans sharpened. What happens when ambitious business leaders spend two days focused entirely on new ideas that can drive growth?
Our first ADAPT bootcamp answered just that question. The idea of an innovation bootcamp resonated with established Liverpool City Region businesses: a catalyst to kick-start projects that had been on the back burner or reimagine existing products and services. It gave them the impetus to get going, dedicate focused time as a business and connect with an outside expert whose skills, experience and insight could move their thinking forward.
October marked the launch of the two-day ADAPT Bootcamp at Pembroke House, Liverpool. Delivered by LYVA Labs and funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the programme is designed to help ambitious businesses across the region turn uncertainty into practical innovation opportunities and develop a roadmap for future growth.
When applications opened in September, the response from businesses and LYVA Labs’ expert partners was overwhelmingly positive. Applications came from a diverse range of organisations eager to explore new approaches to innovation, research and product development.
The programme arrived at a crucial time for businesses navigating rising operational costs, rapid advances in AI, and ongoing supply chain challenges. Through the bootcamp, participants were given the tools, expertise and support needed to define and prioritise their strongest opportunities and build innovation projects with real commercial potential to develop over the next six months.
Watching ideas develop over the two days, and in some cases pivoting into a new direction, was incredibly rewarding. Seeing projects come to life as business leaders collaborated, challenged assumptions and refined their thinking with outside expertise showcased the best of the region’s innovation ecosystem coming together.
“A really interesting couple of days away from the office allowing us to take some time to consider a new product without the normal day-to-day distractions.” – James Brayshaw, CEO, Adaptive Comms
“Taking part in the ADAPT Bootcamp has been a genuinely valuable and rewarding experience. The programme provided a great opportunity to step back, challenge existing thinking, develop new perspectives and explore practical ways to turn ideas into action.” – Annette Kelly, Business Development Manager, Partners Credit Union
Day 1: Turning business challenges into project opportunities
Day one was centred on reflection, giving business leaders space to consider how they had reached this point and explore the “why” and “what” behind their projects. Working closely with the LYVA Labs team, participants assessed where they were on their innovation journey, examined the challenges and opportunities ahead, and prioritised the key areas where an initial feasibility phase would deliver most value and reduce commercial risk.
The Business Cohort
Global Metal Recycling
The discussions helped participants refine their thinking and start turning innovation concepts into viable project opportunities. Giving businesses this dedicated time to clearly describe the value of their innovation to their users and customers laid the groundwork for the partner conversations on day two.
A key takeaway: a clear, value-led project brief is essential to bridge the gap between an initial innovation idea and a viable feasibility project.
Day 2: Connecting the cohort with partners
Day two shifted to an outward-looking focus, introducing businesses to matched Expert Partners with the skills, experience and insight to challenge and develop their thinking. Building on the “why” and “what” explored on day one, these conversations helped participants define their projects and begin planning “how” to achieve their vision. The two-day structure enabled businesses to move from reflection to practical planning with an outside perspective.
Involving experts from the region's innovation ecosystem was a key benefit. Introducing the businesses to partners who will be able to support them beyond the six-month feasibility project, right throughout the new product's development, means the collaborations established through ADAPT may move well beyond it, magnifying the impact.
Collaborating with our expert partner network extended our reach to new businesses that hadn't accessed LYVA Labs’ or other funded innovation support before. By presenting their expertise it helped to reassure businesses applying of the high quality support on offer, as well as demonstrating the strengths of the region’s innovation ecosystem; from world-class University facilities, to highly experienced product and software consultants.
The partners were described by the cohort as a "Really good as a critical friend looking at our plan from a different perspective and allowing us the clarity to confidently dismiss one aspect" as well as being a "perfect match for the project".
By the end of the bootcamp, participants left with fresh perspectives and clear project plans to progress into fully costed proposals and therefore secure a £15K feasibility grant to take the idea forward. The mix of well-established, highly credible businesses from varied sectors, each with a vision to innovate, brought a definite buzz and energy to the room. Alongside the knowledge shared across the two days, that openness, collaboration and collective ambition has the potential to make a lasting impact on those attending, and the ideas they’re looking to develop.
As the programme continues, we're excited to see how the projects progress and look forward to supporting the cohort through the next stage of their journey.
Joe Cooke, Client Services Manager at LYVA Labs said: ”We designed the ADAPT programme to match the ambition of established businesses in our region, with the high-calibre expertise we know exists here. We’ve been able to reach businesses seeking external innovation support in many cases for the first time – and give them the guidance, confidence, and funding pathway to turn their early growth ideas into something tangible. That’s the power of putting the right people, in the right room, with the right support.”
Charlotte Corke, Innovation Partner at LYVA Labs said: "I loved learning more about each business' ideas and vision for their future, and it was great to see these take shape and crystallise into a concrete plan over the course of an intense but enjoyable two days."
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