Contact us
How to reach the innovation support team serving businesses across Nottingham and Derby.
Who to contact first
Enquiries about innovation support are handled by the partner universities working together on business innovation: Nottingham Trent University, the University of Derby and the University of Nottingham. Each institution can direct you to the right specialist, whether your question concerns research collaboration, technical facilities or commercial development.
If you are not sure where your enquiry belongs, describe your business, your stage of development and the problem you are trying to solve. That short description is usually enough for us to identify the right point of contact.
Choosing the right route
Business enquiries
For companies seeking research, testing or development support, begin with the services overview and describe the innovation challenge in plain terms.
Browse servicesAcademic partnerships
Researchers and academic staff wishing to collaborate with businesses should begin with the ecosystem overview, which explains how partners are linked.
View the ecosystemRegional routes are also described on the Derby and Expertise pages.
Common questions
No. Support is open to businesses of different sizes. Universities may ask a few questions about your project to match you with the most suitable service.
An initial conversation is intended to clarify your needs. Any charges for specific projects are agreed with you before work begins.
The partners focus on Nottingham, Derby and the wider East Midlands, and can refer you to other providers where a different specialism is needed.
Enquiry form
What happens after you get in touch
Step 1
Initial response
A member of the team reviews your enquiry and confirms the most relevant partner.
Step 2
Discovery conversation
You discuss the challenge, timescales and the outcomes you hope to achieve.
Step 3
Agreed next steps
A written outline sets out the support offered before any work starts.
Places where innovation happens
Support is delivered in partnership with businesses across the region and is backed by EU funding.