Derby
How the University of Derby supports business innovation within the wider regional partnership.
The University of Derby's role
The University of Derby is one of three universities working together to help businesses turn ideas into commercial products and services. Its contribution draws on applied research and close working relationships with local employers.
Support is designed around the practical needs of companies, from testing an idea to preparing it for the market, and is backed by EU funding that makes it accessible to a wide range of organisations.
Ways the university works with businesses
Applied research
Academic teams examine specific technical or market questions and report findings that businesses can use in their own decisions.
Knowledge exchange
Short projects connect staff and students with companies, helping both sides share skills and build lasting working relationships.
Facilities access
Businesses can use specialist spaces and equipment to test prototypes and check designs before committing to larger investment.
Skills and placements
Graduate and placement programmes bring new talent into organisations that are developing new products or processes.
Related information is available on the facilities and graduate placements pages.
From first idea to delivery
Stage 1
Define the challenge
The business and university team agree the problem, the outcome sought and the resources needed.
Stage 2
Test and develop
Research staff and students work on prototypes, analysis or market evidence.
Stage 3
Review and adopt
Results are reviewed with the business so that it can decide how to take the work forward.
About working with Derby
Manufacturing, engineering, digital and service businesses have all used university expertise to develop their work.
Not always. Some projects are advisory, while others involve testing or the development of new methods.
Areas of focus
Support is shaped to each organisation. Contact the team through the contact page to discuss your project.