A new memorandum of understanding will seek to drive innovation and collaboration across the Liverpool City Region.

The agreement signed by LYVA Labs, the Science and Technology Facilities Council and Sci-Tech Daresbury gives the organisations scope to collaborate across technical projects, programmes, R&D consultancy, investor engagement and cluster development.

It will also promote skills, development, and training opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs.

The MoU creates an opportunity for the organisations to collaborate on complementary programmes like incubator and accelerator offerings for start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises. 

By connecting LYVA Labs’ pre-seed investment fund and accelerator programme with STFC’s suite of business incubators, the collaboration aims to help innovators in life sciences, DeepTech and CleanTech to access vital funding and mentorship.

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“This partnership enhances the innovation ecosystem for Liverpool City Region. Together with STFC and Sci-Tech Daresbury, LYVA Labs is committed to advancing key sectors like life sciences, materials, and AI, amongst others,” said Lorna Green, CEO, LYVA Labs.

“Our joint efforts to align funding, mentorship, and high-performance facilities will empower start-ups and SMEs alike to bring cutting-edge ideas to life and to compete in national and global markets.”

The three organisations will work together to evaluate new technologies and inventions being developed by companies that LYVA Labs supports and invests in. 

The partnership will support SMEs on campus to attract equity investment and secure R&D grant funding to develop and commercialise technologies, enabling them to scale on campus and create high-value jobs in the region.

John Leake, business growth director, Sci-Tech Daresbury, added: “We have already seen the benefits of working closely with LYVA Labs, as several businesses on campus have secured investment from their fund. 

“In addition, their investment into several SMEs that started up outside the region has led to companies moving to campus, to gain access to STFC resources and the wider business community and support at Sci-Tech Daresbury.”

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