Tees Valley Combined Authority has reported 155 expressions of interest in its £1.5 million Investment Zone Innovation Voucher programme, designed to help digital and creative businesses develop, test and commercialise new ideas.
Delivered through Teesside University, the scheme is among the first business-facing initiatives within the region's £160 million Investment Zone. It aims to support innovation at different stages of development, from early feasibility and technical validation through to prototyping, piloting and commercialisation.
The programme offers Exploration Vouchers supporting projects worth up to £50,000 and Acceleration Vouchers supporting projects worth up to £300,000, both including a 20% business contribution. Applications are assessed against technical merit, market potential and economic and regional impact, reflecting an emphasis on commercially relevant innovation with clear benefits for the Tees Valley.
Among the initial beneficiaries is Surghive, a Teesside surgical technology business awarded a £40,000 voucher to advance a digital training platform for robotic surgery. The project illustrates how targeted innovation support can help local businesses apply digital capabilities to opportunities in established industries.
The 155 expressions of interest suggest considerable early demand for the programme, while the first awards mark its progression from attracting applicants to supporting practical innovation activity.
As the programme develops, further information about successful applications, project delivery and emerging outcomes should provide valuable insight into the types of innovation being supported and their contribution to the region's wider economic ambitions.