Liverpool, June 1, 2026 – Mayors across England will soon be given greater powers to drive regional innovation and job creation through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, a £500 million programme running between 2026 and 2031.
The fund enables local leaders to target R&D investments that support new industries and technologies, from medical breakthroughs to clean energy solutions, ensuring growth opportunities are tailored to regional strengths. The move reflects the government’s commitment to devolving decision‑making and empowering communities to shape their own economic futures.
During a visit to Liverpool, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that mayors in regions including Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Greater London will gain control of the fund after the next Spending Review. “Science and technology is the ultimate driver of growth, and this Government is determined to ensure every region shares in the prosperity brought about by innovation,” she said.
In Liverpool, two flagship projects led by the University of Liverpool have been awarded £23.7 million. The AIM HI project will accelerate the use of AI and robotics in materials chemistry, while NBIC LIVE will establish the world’s first centre dedicated to AI‑enabled innovation of antimicrobial and antiviral surfaces.
Local leaders welcomed the announcement. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said the investment demonstrates the impact of trusting regions to lead: “We’ve got world‑class expertise here, and this investment will help turn that innovation into good jobs, new industries and real opportunities for local people.”
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund builds on earlier regional programmes that generated thousands of jobs and attracted significant private co‑investment. By devolving control, the government aims to ensure funding decisions are locally led, directly supporting businesses, researchers, and projects with the greatest potential.
This initiative forms part of the UK’s record £86 billion R&D settlement until 2030, positioning regional innovation as a cornerstone of the country’s Modern Industrial Strategy and long‑term economic growth.
