The University of Liverpool played a leading role in the third annual Liverpool City Region Innovation Investment Fortnight (IIF), supporting a wide-ranging programme of events that showcased the region’s world-leading research, innovation assets and investment opportunities.
Organised by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the fortnight brought together policymakers, investors, businesses and researchers to demonstrate how innovation is driving economic growth, attracting investment and creating opportunities across the city region.
A highlight of the opening day was a visit to the University’s Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) by the Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, alongside Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram. The visit showcased pioneering work in advanced materials, artificial intelligence and robotics, demonstrating how the University is translating world-leading research into real-world impact.
The visit coincided with the announcement that the University had secured more than £23 million through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund to support two major new programmes: the AI Materials Hub for Innovation (AIM-HI) and the National Biofilms Innovation Centre: Liverpool Engine for Antimicrobial Surface Technologies (NBIC LIVE).
The University also welcomed Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), who met researchers and postgraduate students working at the forefront of AI, robotics and materials chemistry.
Showcasing innovation and collaboration
Throughout the fortnight, University staff and partners contributed to a diverse programme of events highlighting the breadth of innovation taking place across the Liverpool City Region.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, opened the Liverpool Shared Research Facilities (LIV-SRF) Showcase, which highlighted the University’s advanced facilities, technologies and expertise for academic, industry and start-up collaborators. The event featured contributions from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Unilever and Zeiss.
Professor Jones also spoke at the fifth Liverpool City Region Innovation Investment Summit, discussing the University’s evolving partnership with Oxford and its role in strengthening the UK’s position in the global competition for research talent, investment and industrial growth.
The University of Liverpool and University Hospitals Liverpool Group launched the Liverpool Women’s Health Innovation (WIN) Studio, bringing together innovators to develop solutions for women’s health while sharing the Studio’s vision for future collaboration and innovation.
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Liverpool and inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Liverpool Health Partners, delivered a keynote address at the Liverpool City Region Innovation Zone Showcase on the role of world-class research and innovation expertise in supporting regional growth, competitiveness and impact, while two University-led Innovation Zone projects that form part of the Government’s Investment Zone Programme – the Civic HealthTech Innovation Zone (CHI-Zone) and the Microbiome: Accelerating Innovation and Development (MAID) Hub – were highlighted through talks from beneficiaries showcasing their impact to date.
The University’s Digital Innovation Facility (DIF) also hosted an AI in Manufacturing panel discussion in partnership with Glass Futures and the Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC). The event explored how digital twins, artificial intelligence and advanced modelling technologies are helping manufacturers reduce emissions, improve efficiency and accelerate the transition to low-carbon production. Attendees heard about AI GLASS, a pioneering project that will help manufacturers test changes to production processes virtually, supporting innovation and decarbonisation within the glass industry.
Celebrating the impact of partnership
A major highlight of the fortnight was the launch of a new report detailing the impact of the University’s strategic partnership with Unilever.
Launched at an event in the House of Commons hosted by Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, the report revealed that between 2015 and 2024, the partnership contributed to 350 Unilever patents and innovations used across 18 of Unilever’s 30 Power Brands, including Dove and Persil.
The report also highlighted significant economic impact, with around 400 jobs attributable to the University’s participation in the partnership in 2024 and £270 million in gross value added generated over the preceding decade.
The next few years will see ambitious plans creating new opportunities for partnership, with a continued focus on the leading edge of artificial intelligence.
Driving innovation-led growth
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: “Innovation Investment Fortnight demonstrates the strength of Liverpool City Region’s innovation ecosystem and the role the University plays within it. By building on the success of initiatives such as our Research Frontiers and strategic partnerships with industry, we can bring together world-class expertise, attract investment and accelerate innovation that delivers economic growth across the Liverpool City Region and impact on a global scale.”
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Information for University of Liverpool staff
Partnerships with businesses, NHS trusts, government agencies and cultural organisations play a vital role in delivering research impact, innovation and economic growth. Find out more about the University’s knowledge exchange strategy.
Research, Partnerships and Innovation (RPI) supports these collaborations and provides resources to help you achieve successful outcomes. Find out more on the Partnership Development webpages. Meanwhile, the Enterprise Team helps researchers commercialise intellectual property through licensing and spin-out companies.