LCR announce £10m seed fund for small businesses

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Launched today at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s flagship business conference – LCR Talking Business conference – is a £10 million LCR Seed Fund, a bold new initiative to accelerate the growth of innovative early-stage businesses across the Liverpool City Region.

Backed by Mayor Steve Rotheram, this fund is open to all sectors, with a special focus on the region’s key growth areas:

Advanced Manufacturing
Digital & Creative Industries
Health & Life Sciences

On the launch, Mayor Rotheram shared: “This fund is not just about financial returns.
It’s about inclusive growth—supporting our next generation of innovators, job creators, and entrepreneurs to stay, scale and succeed in our region. Because talent is everywhere—but opportunity is not. We’re changing that.”

The LCR Seed Fund is aimed at early stage businesses with world-class products or services in any sector and particularly welcomes applications from LCR’s growth sectors: Advanced Manufacturing, Digital and Creative, and Health and Life Sciences.

You may already have taken some investment, for example from friends and family, angels, crowdfunding or an incubator, which has got you started and proved your business model, so you are ready for the next stage.  The LCR Seed Fund can provide that vital finance to take you to Series A and B funding. It can be part of a larger funding round.”

Apply here – https://growthplatform.org/liverpool-city-region-seed-fund/

LSTM Vice-Chancellor Professor David Lalloo recognised in King’s Birthday Honours for services to global health

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Professor David Lalloo, Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, has been appointed Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) in The King’s Birthday Honours List(link is external)(opens in a new tab).  

Professor Lalloo has been recognised for services to Global Health and International Development, and leadership in Higher Education.

The Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a UK national honour that recognises service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.

The King’s Birthday Honours list recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK, from all walks of life.

Over thirty years, Professor Lalloo has been a leading figure in infectious disease research and global health, and his work is widely recognised as delivering a positive impact on disadvantaged communities across the globe.

Professor Lalloo said: “I am delighted and privileged to receive this honour and do so on behalf of LSTM and the scientific research and global health communities whose tireless commitment and skill help to build healthier lives across the world.

“Global health research and education are collective endeavours, underpinned by trusted, equitable partnerships in countries most affected by the burden of disease. This award would not have occurred without the advice, support and collaboration of so many inspirational colleagues.”

Professor Lalloo has led LSTM since 2019 and was named as its first Vice-Chancellor last year. He is also an Honorary Consultant at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and maintains an active research portfolio in HIV related infections, snakebite and malaria.

He has held significant national and international advisory roles and his research has influenced WHO treatment guidelines, with his work on snake envenoming over three decades contributing to the recognition of snakebite as a neglected tropical disease. In 2024, he was elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

During his tenure as LSTM head, LSTM ranked second for impact in its first solo REF submission, was nominated for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards and received a prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize. He has overseen a huge capital redevelopment, including as a key part of the team to deliver the groundbreaking CREATOR medical research and training facility at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme.

Jim McKenna, Chair of the Board of Trustees at LSTM, said: “This award is richly deserved. David is an inspirational leader, not just at LSTM but on a global stage, dedicating his career to improving the health and life chances for some of the world’s poorest communities.

“Over three decades, David has led groundbreaking research, provided strategic counsel to governments in moments of national crisis, and mentored the next generation of clinicians, scientists and researchers.

“His work has had a real impact, and on behalf of LSTM’s Board I would like to congratulate him for this achievement.”

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral upgraded to Grade I listed status

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The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has awarded The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool Grade I listed status, following advice from Historic England. The cathedral, previously Grade II* listed, is now nationally recognised as a building of the highest architectural and historical interest.

Built between 1962 and 1967, the cathedral represents the greatest Roman Catholic post-war architectural commission in Britain. It was built over an earlier Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed crypt, intended to be part of a grand classical-style Catholic cathedral in Liverpool that began in the 1930s, but construction was halted, largely due to financial constraints and the outbreak of the Second World War.

The upgrade of the cathedral’s listing status reflects a deeper understanding of Sir Frederick Gibberd’s architectural vision and the cathedral’s significance as an international example of progressive Roman Catholic architecture during the mid-20th century.

A revolution in cathedral design

The cathedral’s revolutionary design features make it an architectural landmark of the highest order. Gibberd’s centralised plan with a unified worship space was unprecedented in British cathedral design, allowing congregations to participate more fully in the visual drama of the Mass.

The striking central lantern or ‘corona’ filled with coloured glass by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens uses an innovative technique of cementing glass with epoxy resin pre-cast within tracery of thin concrete ribs – a method invented specifically for this building.

The cathedral also features numerous artistic collaborations of exceptional quality, including William Mitchell’s Evangelist entrance doors and carving to the bell tower, Elizabeth Frink’s crucifix, David Atkins’ geometrical floor pattern, Ceri Richards’ work in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, and coloured glass by Margaret Traherne in multiple chapels.

This fusion of modern architecture with fine art epitomises the progressive shift following the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), which emphasised the full, conscious, and active participation of the congregation in Catholic worship.

Hopwood Hall Chapel listing enhancement

Alongside this upgrade, Historic England has enhanced the existing Grade II listing for Hopwood Hall Chapel in Middleton, Greater Manchester. Built in 1964-1965 to Gibberd’s designs and executed by Reynolds and Scott, this smaller chapel shares design features with its more famous Liverpool counterpart, including a centralised sanctuary lit by a lantern tower of concrete and coloured glass.

Sir Frederick Gibberd

Sir Frederick Gibberd (1908-1984), who was knighted in 1967, was a leading figure in the emergence of Modern architecture in Britain. He made major contributions to Britain’s post-war reconstruction and civic design, including Harlow New Town, the first Heathrow terminal buildings, and several power stations.

Sarah Charlesworth, Historic England’s Listing Team Leader North, said:

“Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral transformed British cathedral design with its revolutionary centralised plan, representing a radical departure from traditional designs. Sir Frederick Gibberd’s masterpiece, built upon Lutyens’ earlier crypt, showcases extraordinary artistic collaboration and stands as one of Britain’s most significant post-war architectural achievements.”

Archbishop John Sherrington, Archbishop of Liverpool, said:

“I welcome the announcement that Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King has been recognised as a Grade I listed building. It commands the Liverpool skyline and is visible for miles around. The building has been described as ‘the soul of the city’ and brings hope to thousands who visit each year. The colours of the stained glass and revolutionary architectural style help raise their minds and hearts beyond this world to the transcendent and to God.

It is very significant that the cathedral has been recognised during the Jubilee Year which has the theme ‘pilgrims of hope’. I hope the upgraded listed status allows us to welcome even more pilgrims to our striking Mother Church.

I thank all who have contributed to the upkeep and repair of the building for over 60 years and pray that we may care nationally for this building of the highest architectural and historical interest.”

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross said: 

“Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral’s Grade I status honours Sir Frederick Gibberd’s architectural brilliance and recognises his visionary design, which created a landmark that continues to inspire people. Liverpool’s iconic Cathedral is a truly remarkable and much-loved building which deserves to be protected so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Kim Johnson MP for Liverpool Riverside said:

“I’m absolutely delighted that the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King has been awarded Grade I listed status. As a world-renowned and instantly recognisable symbol of Liverpool, it is deeply embedded in our city’s identity. This recognition rightly honours its architectural significance and the prominent place it holds in our skyline – a true jewel in Liverpool’s crown.”

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:

“Liverpool is a city with a proud architectural and cultural heritage, and the Metropolitan Cathedral is one of its most iconic landmarks. The bold, modern design broke new ground and has become a beacon of faith, hope and innovation, not just for our region but across the world.

“This Grade I listing rightly recognises its architectural brilliance and enduring importance to the Liverpool City Region’s identity. It’s a welcome and well-deserved honour.

Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson, said:

“The elevation of the Metropolitan Cathedral to Grade I listed status is a proud moment for Liverpool. This recognition not only honours a masterpiece of modern architecture but also celebrates the spirit of innovation and resilience that epitomises our city. The cathedral stands as a beacon of creativity, community, hope and faith and is a powerful symbol of Liverpool’s cultural and architectural legacy.”

Catherine Croft, Director of the Twentieth Century Society, said:

“The ‘Wigwam’ or ‘The Mersey Funnel’, as it’s affectionately known among locals, is unique in world architecture and has long been a powerful homecoming beacon for Liverpudlians.

Liverpool now rightly has two magnificent Grade I listed cathedrals which together demonstrate just how varied, exciting, and emotionally uplifting twentieth century architecture can be.

A great vessel of post-war glass, sculpture and design, the listing upgrade will help ensure the modernist cathedral’s careful long-term conservation and appreciation by all who visit – to worship or just to marvel.”

The Missing Pieces Project: Add your information about Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Hopwood Hall Chapel

We’d love you to add your story about Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Hopwood Hall Chapel to the Missing Pieces Project. It could be a photo or something you know about the listed building. You can add photos, drawings, audio, film, or text.

Everything you add is an important piece of the picture. And the more pieces of the picture we have, the better we can celebrate and protect what makes these places special.

Through the Missing Pieces Project, Historic England invites everyone to discover the listed places on their doorstep and contribute their own unique piece to the picture by adding photos, videos, stories and memories on the National Heritage List for England.

Clatterbridge Paddington Health Hub opens – new outpatient centre

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The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has opened a new dedicated outpatient facility – known as Clatterbridge Paddington Health Hub – close to its main hospital in Liverpool and Edge Lane / Mount Vernon Road.

Clatterbridge Paddington Health Hub will provide a wide range of outpatient services including clinics and group pre-assessment sessions in comfortable surroundings away from a busy hospital setting. Patients attending renal cancer and skin cancer clinics were the first to visit the new hub, which opened to patients on Tuesday 3rd June. It means that a number of clinics can move from Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool into the new health hub. These clinics will continue to be run by the same specialist teams from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and patients will received the same expert care.

Patients whose clinic appointments are moving to Clatterbridge Paddington Health Hub will be contacted in advance. They will be sent information about the new health hub explaining how to get there, along with a map. The health hub has some parking on site for Blue Badge holders, along with drop-off facilities. The health hub is also very close to Paddington Village Car Park and is conveniently located for bus routes.

The new health hub’s address is:

Clatterbridge Paddington Health Hub
2 Mason Street
Edge Hill
Liverpool
L7 3EW (Google Maps)

The building is also home to Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre, which is on the ground floor. Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre is a separate NHS service providing easier access to tests and scans for people referred by their GPs, hospitals or other health professionals.

Author and robot dog take children’s book on tour of Liverpool City Region schools

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A unique children’s innovation book set in Liverpool is the focus of a new roadshow visiting the city region’s primary schools.

 

The Animates: Learning in Liverpool, written in partnership with Connected Places Catapult,  follows the adventures of six animal creatures who crash land in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) and must explore a range of different technologies around the innovation district in order to repair their ship and return home, aided by Splodge the robot dog. A copy of the book, accompanied by bespoke lesson plans, was delivered to every primary school in the city region at the end of last year.

 

Now, Liverpool-based author Natalie Reeves Billing is embarking on the interactive showcase tour around Liverpool City Region, aiming to reinforce the central ambition of the book by inspiring young minds about the types of innovations and careers pathways open to them. 

 

The roadshow sessions got underway this week at Forefield Infant School in Crosby, featuring a reading by Natalie and co-host Jude Lennon,  robot dog demonstrations from the Manufacturing Technology Centre and LJMU School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, rocket ship building workshops and a sing-along to the newly-created Animates theme tune.

 

The Animates: Learning in Liverpool is part of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool’s KQ Futures programme, which is funded by the Liverpool City Region Innovation Zone, part of the UK Government’s Investment Zone programme. The book was devised with support from CBRE, Kier, Liverpool City Region Careers Hub, Lloyds, Morgan Sindall and Sciontec. 

 

Rachel Newman, inclusive innovation officer at KQ Liverpool, said: “When we launched the book last year, it was an instant hit with pupils and teachers alike, and we were thrilled to provide all local schools with a copy. The roadshow feels like a natural extension of that work – finding new, creative ways to engage with young people and open their minds to the endless opportunities for innovation careers here in their home city.”

 

Natalie Reeves Billing, said: “The Animates is one of my most cherished projects. Children each have their own special talents and gifts, and the purpose of this book is to show them how their own skills might fit within the innovation sector.  It is wonderful to see the children engaging so enthusiastically with the story and enjoying our new theme song and hopefully the session has made a small but lasting impact on their future outlook.” 

 

Mark Hall, head of Year 1 at Forefield Junior School, said: “It’s never too early to introduce young minds to concepts around science or technology, and we want to inspire them to explore a broad range of ideas and opportunities. The Animates book is a great way to do this and reinforce the fact they can build impressive skills and careers within a few miles of where they live. The robot dog was also a very popular visitor!”

 

Cllr Liam Robinson, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Innovation said: “This is such an inspiring initiative. Through the Animates Roadshow, we’re not only igniting young imaginations, but we are also showing our young people that the world of science, technology, and creativity is right on their doorstep. By embedding innovation into education, we are equipping the next generation with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to shape our Liverpool City Region.”

 

Collaboration between KQ Liverpool and Kensington Fields Community Association

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Innovation district organisations supports local charity food provision 

Kensington Fields Community Association (KFCA) provides vital services to the residents of one of the country’s most deprived wards.

The centre provides a much-needed programme of activities and weekly classes, runs social groups, and offers financial and well-being advice to keep people connected and feeling supported. Another key element of this support is related to food provision, enabling the local community to access affordable and good-quality food and groceries through the KFCA pantry. 

Helen Ball, Business Development Manager at KFCA, said:

“Our pantry is open to everyone in Kenny, and we provide emergency food support in times of crisis, run family food nights, and older and vulnerable persons lunch clubs to help make sure no one in our community goes hungry.

“We are also proud to help educate people around healthy eating with our cookery classes for both kids and adults, and by offering relaxing growing activities in the centre’s community allotment.”

To run the KFCA pantry, the charity relies on grants from charitable bodies, which are becoming increasingly harder to secure meaning they are also seeking donations from caring individuals and local organisations. 

Claire Kidman, Head of Partnerships at KQ Liverpool, added:

“We are pleased to announce that KQ Liverpool will be supporting the Kensington Fields Community Association by providing pantry donation points at a number of sites across our innovation district. 

“This initiative aligns with our 2040 Vision, and it’s important to us that we support the communities around us. It’s especially meaningful to know that our contributions will directly benefit those in need within our local area.”

The first donation points are already located in two of KQ Liverpool’s spin-out development company Sciontec’s innovation centres at Liverpool Science Park (iC1 Entrance Lounge and iC2 Entrance Lounge) with the next location being CENTRAL TECH (Ground floor Atrium).

KQ Liverpool would like to encourage businesses, stakeholders, and colleagues to contribute to this collection, which will be ongoing throughout the year. 

We would especially welcome any donations of items from the list below:

  • Tinned meat
  • Tinned tuna
  • Veg / Tomato Soup – Tinned or packet
  • Cereals
  • Sanitary products
  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Beans 
  • Sugar

For further information about the Kensington Fields Community Association, please visit their website.

Sciontec launches CENTRAL TECH with more than 50% pre-lets

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Sciontec has now secured pre-let agreements with seven innovation organisations at CENTRAL TECH on Copperas Hill, which joined its portfolio of innovation assets in March. The building officially launches today, as part of the LCR Innovation Investment Fortnight (IIF) programme.

Among those, Bellrock, the property disrupter,  is creating a head office for their market leading IWMS product Concerto, which will take a 2,635 sq ft office on the building’s third floor, complete with breakout spaces, kitchen and a private terrace overlooking the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool innovation district.

AI-enabled platform Harker, which helps homelessness charities to manage their data more effectively to demonstrate their social impact and provide more personalised support, has taken two new first floor spaces at CENTRAL TECH, which will also accommodate software development and digital services firm Jamescape.

The Royal Academy of Engineering, which creates and leads a community of outstanding experts and innovators to engineer better lives, is launching their new ‘Enterprise Hub Liverpool’ within the four-storey building.

Labman, which specialises in laboratory automation hardware and software, occupies an all-inclusive space on the second floor of CENTRAL TECH, which stands adjacent to LJMU’s Student Life and Sport buildings.

Engineering firm DefProc, which works with innovators to help develop early stage ideas into market-ready products, is returning to occupy an 823 sq ft electronics lab and workspace on the ground floor of the building, having previously relocated to Sciontec’s Liverpool Science Park four years ago.

Innovation investment consultancy LYVA Labs is relocating its headquarters to a 750 sq ft space on the first floor as it aims to further increase its engagement with start-ups, corporates, higher education institutions, research technology organisations, investors and public funders.

Sciontec has also relocated its team to the building, occupying a 600 sq ft ground floor space in the innovation district’s newest development.

CENTRAL TECH also contains a communal roof terrace, events space, breakout areas and kitchenettes, while customers have access to discounted gym membership at the LJMU Sport building and to the Academic Support and Knowledge (ASK) programme, connecting them to a specialist team or expert at the University of Liverpool or Liverpool John Moores University.

Leanne Katsande, head of commercial at Sciontec, said:

“The arrival of CENTRAL TECH has created a real buzz among the city region’s innovation community and we have been inundated with enquiries over the past few weeks.

“CENTRAL TECH’s location, adjacent to the city’s main railway stations and within the KQ Liverpool innovation district, combined with our Sciontec AI all-inclusive packages on the first three floors and ultrafast internet connectivity through LCR Connect, means it is an easy choice for a lot of innovation-led organisations.

“Thankfully, we’ve been able to move quickly with a number of enquiries and have pre-let more than 50% of the building already. We remain firmly in discussions with several other interested parties and we’ll continue to provide tours of our new facility up to and after it opens on 14 May, so please do get in touch if you’d like to see what’s on offer.”

Adam Smith, chief technology officer at Concerto, said:

“The tech scene in Liverpool is buzzing, and we’re really proud to be part of that momentum. We’ve already started chatting with other companies about hosting meet-ups in our space but our new office won’t just be a workspace, it’ll be a bit of a showcase for what intelligent buildings can offer owner-occupiers, and we’re looking forward to showing our customers what’s possible.”

Summing up, Colin Sinclair, CEO of KQ Liverpool and Sciontec, said:

“We are delighted to be launching CENTRAL TECH on LJMU’s Student Life Campus, adding more much needed innovation space to Sciontec’s thriving portfolio of science and tech buildings.

“Demand for CENTRAL TECH has already been unprecedented showing that Liverpool City Region is riding a wave of innovation. The building perfectly complements Liverpool Science Park and Sciontec AI at The Spine and is further growing our community of start ups, spin outs and SMEs.”

For further information, please contact enquiries@sciontec.co.uk, or visit https://sciontec.co.uk/locations/central-tech/ 

Top property professional Colin Sinclair appointed to head up high-powered investment task force.

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ONE of the region’s most influential property professionals has been appointed to head up the Invest Liverpool City Region (ILCR) Partnership Taskforce. Colin Sinclair, Chief Executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool and Sciontec Developments Ltd, has been unveiled as Chair of the Taskforce which brings together senior representatives from local authorities, the private sector and key stakeholders to ensure a joined-up approach to attracting, securing and delivering inward investment. It also plays a critical role in shaping and delivering the Liverpool City Region Capital and Real Estate Investment Programme. Colin is a prominent figure in the region’s innovation and investment landscape and has been instrumental in driving major regeneration initiatives, positioning the city region as a global destination for science, health, education and technology.

Colin said:

“The Liverpool City Region has an extraordinary investment story to tell and I am honoured to chair the ILCR Partnership Taskforce at such a pivotal moment. I am confident that we can deliver a new strategy which ensures that the city region will build on its successes to date, and use its enormous development potential to attract investment that will not only boost the economy, but create collaborative and inclusive opportunities which leave a positive legacy for generations to come. Our collective ambition is to ensure the region is not only visible on the global stage but competes successfully for investment that drives inclusive growth. Investment doesn’t just happen – you have to win it, and we are ready to do exactly that.”

In his new capacity as Chair, Colin will lead the Taskforce in providing strategic oversight for the programme and ensuring the region’s £11 billion investment opportunity is showcased to global audiences. Members of the Taskforce contribute sector-specific expertise and play a key role in positioning the city region as a prime location for sustainable and impactful development. Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy at Liverpool City Council said:

“Liverpool and the wider City Region continues to gain recognition for its forward-thinking investment propositions, including transformational regeneration schemes, innovation districts and strategic employment sites. Working in conjunction with the Chair and Taskforce, we will continue to develop our collective effort to leverage the city region’s assets and realise our ambition to attract long-term, sustainable investment delivering high-skilled jobs and careers.”

The news comes as Liverpool City Region prepares to showcase £11bn worth of investment opportunities across the region at UKREiiF 2025, the UKs Real Estate and Infrastructure Investment Forum. The event takes place later this month in Leeds and is set to welcome 16,000 delegates, speakers and investors across three days.

Innovation Investment Fortnight to showcase billions of pounds of Liverpool City Region opportunities

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  • More than 20 diverse events highlighting scale and scope of city region innovation
  • Launch event to showcase University of Liverpool’s groundbreaking Life Sciences Innovation Zone projects and more
  • Builds on last year’s inaugural Innovation Investment Week
  • Includes fourth annual Innovation Investment Summit, major maritime event, and Dragons’ Den style pitching returns
  • Other events covering world-leading sports science, inspiring the innovators of tomorrow, design, and space innovation

More than £2bn of investment opportunities are to be showcased at a two-week festival highlighting the breadth, depth and quality of place-based innovation across the Liverpool City Region.

 

Running from May 12-23, Innovation Investment Fortnight (IIF) will feature at least 20 events covering topics ranging from the city region’s world-leading life sciences innovation to maritime, space, AI and sports science.

 

Innovation Investment Fortnight - blue logo with a picture of a lightbulb

 

The fortnight also includes a Dragons’ Den style pitching event, the fourth annual Innovation Investment Summit for Scaling and three nights of ‘Pint of Science’ in which leading city region academics will speak at pubs across the city region.

 

Liverpool City Region currently has £1bn of live innovation projects with a further £2bn of projects in the pipeline and seeking investment.

 

The city region’s Life Sciences Innovation Zone, which launched in April 2024, is alone expected to attract £800m of public and private sector investment.

 

Kicking off with a major University of Liverpool event showcasing its pioneering collaborations, including Life Sciences Innovation Zone projects, the fortnight will highlight the city region’s world-leading assets and distinctive approaches that put it at the forefront of UK place-based innovation.

 

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

 

“Our region has always been a place where great ideas are born – and through Innovation Investment Fortnight, we’re putting a spotlight on the people and projects turning those ideas into world-class industries.

 

“From life sciences to space tech, our region is helping shape the future – and we’re doing it in our own unique way. We’re not just talking about innovation – we’re investing in it, unlocking billions in opportunities, and making our region a magnet for talent, creativity, and investment.”

 

May 12: The University of Liverpool is teaming up with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to bring together global leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers to explore Liverpool’s cutting-edge collaborations and investment opportunities at the What IIF! How Pioneering Partnerships Are Driving LCR’s Innovation Future event. The event will feature some of the biggest names from LCR innovation and include the launch of the Microbiome and Infectious Disease (MaID) Innovation Hub. It will also showcase groundbreaking innovations in AI, materials, climate tech, and the future of music.

 

May 13: Day 2 will feature an LCR Space Partnership launch workshop

 

May 14: Day 3 includes the opening of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool’s new innovation hub called Central Tech. Plans for a new Animates cartoon book aimed at inspiring young innovators will also be revealed at a special event in Blackburne House.

 

May 15: The all-day Business of Science Conference will be held at The Spine in Liverpool.

 

May 19: Dragons’ Den style Pitching event at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in which innovative early-stage companies from across the region will showcase their groundbreaking ideas to a diverse panel of investors.

 

May 19-21: It’s beer, boffins and banter as leading city region scientists take to pubs and bars in Liverpool and Wirral to share and discuss new ideas in a series of 14 Pint of Science events

 

May 20: Mersey Maritime will be hosting the flagship Navigating Maritime Innovation in the Liverpool City Region event at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). The same day the University of Liverpool will host an all-day conference on designing biodegradable chemicals and Butters Innovation and IUK Business Growth will host a Summit looking at Design in Innovation at MTC.

 

May 21: The fourth day-long LCR Innovation Investment Summit for Scaling will be held at Sci-Tech Daresbury.

 

May 22: KQ Liverpool – In the Know event – Investing in skills will be held at Liverpool’s new tech hub, CENTRAL TECH.

 

May 23: LJMU will host a Sport Science Showcase, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its pioneering department that catalysed today’s multi-billion-dollar sports data industry.

 

Since the first Innovation Investment Summit in 2022, Liverpool City Region has spearheaded a series of landmark initiatives including piloting Innovate UK’s national Launchpad grant programme now rolled out to 8 other localities. It is also one of very few places invited to forge a new Strategic Relationship with UKRI following publication of the English Devolution White Paper at the end of last year – reflecting the region’s highly developed place-based innovation approach at the national forefront.

 

Liverpool City Region agreed the country’s first place-based partnership and action plan with Innovate UK and in 2023 a landmark innovation deal was signed with South Korea’s second city, Busan, as part of a major government UK-South Korea innovation twinning programme.

 

And last year Liverpool City Region held its inaugural international AI Summit and its first Innovation Investment Week.

 

The city region has also become one of only three places in the UK to benefit from both Investment Zone, known locally as the Innovation Zone, and Freeport status.

 

The Life Sciences Innovation Zone programme will help the city region towards its innovation powerhouse goal of spending 5% of its economy on R&D by 2030 – nearly double the UK target. Achieving the target would deliver an estimated £41.7bn of gross economic benefit, a 10% increase in productivity and 44,000 new jobs.

 

The city region is a world leader in infection prevention and control, materials chemistry and AI solutions and emerging technologies, with growing strengths in net-zero and maritime innovation

£10m funding for AI-powered robotic labs that will accelerate new treatments for deadly infections

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New AI-powered, robotic labs that will accelerate development of new treatments for deadly diseases are to be built in Liverpool after £10m Innovation Zone funding was agreed.

The High Containment Level 3 labs, located at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and supported by the Infection Innovation Consortium (iiCON), will be capable of handling a range of pathogens during development and validation of new treatments that could save lives worldwide.

The new laboratories will be fitted with state-of-the-art robotics, AI, and liquid handling systems to safely progress research and development of new vaccines, drugs and diagnostics for high-risk and deadly infectious diseases.

LSTM is already home to the largest concentration of Containment Level 3 laboratories in the North West, which played a key role in the rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new facility will also support the next phase of iiCON’s development, bolstering the infection innovation ecosystem between industry, academia, and the NHS to enhance the discovery and route to market for products that tackle infectious disease.

Find out more about the Life Sciences Innovation Zone in the city region.

The new laboratories will enhance innovative human organoid research, which involves sophisticated technologies using tissues grown to mimic different human organs. The facilities will enable closer collaborations with industry and potentially speed up regulatory approval for new treatments.

As well as saving lives, the robotic laboratories are forecast to generate £40m of investment in the first three years – creating well-paid jobs and driving research.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“Robotic labs might sound like something out of science fiction, but this is very much science fact – and a massive vote of confidence in our region’s position as a global leader in health innovation.

“We saw during the pandemic just how vital our local life sciences sector is—not just to our region, but to the world. This investment will build on that legacy, helping to fast-track life-saving treatments while attracting new businesses, creating high-quality jobs, and keeping our brightest minds here in the Liverpool City Region.

“This is what devolution is all about—backing our strengths, bringing in investment, and making sure we’re shaping a healthier, fairer, and more prosperous future for our area.”

Professor Giancarlo Biagini, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at LSTM said:

“LSTM is proud to receive this vital investment, which, alongside funding from UKRI’s Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund and the Wolfson Foundation, enables us to establish a cutting-edge automated facility for developing advanced human infection models for emerging and high-consequence diseases.

“This combined £20m initiative will accelerate the preclinical development of new therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics – strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in health innovation. This investment aligns with our regional commitment to driving health innovation and regional prosperity, ensuring that the Liverpool City Region remains at the forefront of health science innovation and impact.”

Professor Janet Hemingway, founding director of iiCON, said:

“iiCON is delighted to support this transformative initiative. By harnessing iiCON’s extensive network of industry, academic, and clinical partners, we will ensure this cutting-edge facility is maximised to drive innovation and ultimately improve health outcomes.

“This investment strengthens Liverpool City Region’s position as a global hub for infection innovation and reinforces our commitment to fostering impactful collaborations, supporting SMEs, and creating high-value jobs. Through iiCON’s specialist research platforms and translational expertise, we will work closely with partners to unlock the full potential of this facility, ensuring it delivers real-world impact for patients, communities, and the wider economy.”

Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Innovation, Cllr Liam Robinson said:

“iiCON is a superstar of Liverpool City Region innovation – helping to save countless lives through its world-leading fight to control and prevent deadly infections.

“This hi-tech investment through our health and life sciences innovation zone programme promises to speed up the discovery of new treatments which will drive jobs and prosperity in the city region, while making the world a safer place.

“It will also further cement the city region’s status as a global leader in the fight against some of the world’s deadliest infections.”

Founded in 2020 with an £18.6m Government grant, iiCON has quickly grown into a £260m programme working with a global network of more than 1,000 organisations, creating hundreds of jobs and bolstering the city region’s R&D infection spend by £1bn.

By enabling industry access to world-leading facilities and expertise, it has supported 36 new products to market, with more than 5 billion units of life saving products and treatments reaching communities across the world.

iiCON’s ambitious new lab project forms part of the 10-year Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone programme which is expected to attract up to £800m of public and private investment and create 8,000 new skilled jobs to the region.

Read the Life Sciences Innovation Zone prospectus.

The Liverpool City Region Life Sciences Innovation Zone Programme (LCR Innovation Zone Programme) is part of the Government’s national Investment Zone Programme.