Work to support local growth and regeneration across the region has strengthened the University of Leeds’ performance in the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF).
Leeds improved in the Local Growth and Regeneration category of the KEF, which recognises activities that help to reverse economic, social and physical decline in our region.
The University also improved in the Research Partnerships category, moving into the highest quintile when compared with other English universities. The KEF was designed by Research England to shine a light on how different universities collaborate with businesses, communities, and public services.
Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, said: “Our improved performance in the Knowledge Exchange Framework is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to ensuring that our research and innovation creates real-world impact.
“Working closely with businesses, public sector organisations and communities enables us to translate knowledge and expertise into solutions that support innovation, inclusive growth and improved outcomes for people and places.
“Through initiatives such as our Civic Exchange, we are strengthening collaboration across the region and creating new opportunities to address shared challenges through evidence, expertise and innovation.”
Space Hub Yorkshire (SHY), hosted at the University, works closely with the region's universities, colleges, industrial leaders, and local and regional government to drive economic activity relating to the space industry. SHY is a one-stop shop for advice to help companies break into the burgeoning space market, providing practical support and networking opportunities.
Supporting entrepreneurs to thrive
Locally, the University of Leeds has been supporting growth through its entrepreneurship programmes and initiatives.
The award-winning Innovative Entrepreneurs programme, funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), has driven innovation and business growth in the region. The programme combined educational content with one-to-one coaching to help participants develop plans that will take their businesses to the next level.
The educational programme was designed by academics and the Executive Education Team at Leeds University Business School (LUBS). The team at the University’s innovation hub, Nexus, led delivery of the programme, alongside 12 regional partners.
Working closely with businesses, public sector organisations and communities enables us to translate knowledge and expertise into solutions that support innovation, inclusive growth and improved outcomes for people and places.
Nexus partnered with WYCA again to support the Mayor’s big ideas challenge, an initiative to accelerate innovative solutions tackling health inequalities in West Yorkshire. A total of 19 finalists, all local small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) - were awarded £20,000 each in grants to support development of their ideas.
In the final round of the competition, Asclepius Medtech Ltd - founded by a University of Leeds alumni – was one of three winners awarded £100,000 to commercialise its wearable health technology. The company has developed a small biosensor patch that is fitted to patients’ chests to gather real-time health data ahead of surgery.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our region is home to endless talent, creativity and ambition. By investing in innovation and backing the entrepreneurs who are determined to make a difference, we’re building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Continued business growth
The University is also in the highest possible KEF band for intellectual property and commercialisation. This year, the University formed six new spinouts, contributing to a total of 21 new companies created over the past four years. 15 of them were established over the past three years, employing 1,044 people with a turnover of £114.1m.
Further information
For more information, please contact the University of Leeds press office at pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.