County council secures over £154,000 for two major projects in the county aimed at innovation and economic growth.
Lincolnshire County Council has successfully secured more than £154,000 in external funding from the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority to support two major projects aimed at boosting innovation, attracting investment and driving economic growth across the county.
The funding has been awarded through the combined authority’s Growth Development Fund and will support the ‘Innovation Connect Pilot Study Project’ and the ‘Phase One South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone Enabling Works Project’.
The new Innovation Connect programme will benefit businesses across Greater Lincolnshire by helping them turn ambitious ideas into reality with support from University of Lincoln experts.
The scheme will give firms access to specialist knowledge and resources to develop new products, improve processes, test technologies and unlock fresh opportunities for growth.
Delivered in partnership with the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, the initiative will connect businesses with the expertise they need to innovate, overcoming resource constraints by de-risking research and development (R&D) bringing together industry, academia and the public sector to tackle real-world challenges and drive productivity.
By combining university expertise, public investment and business contributions, the programme will maximise the impact of innovation activity, creating lasting university-business partnerships and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Near Holbeach, the ‘Phase One South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone Enabling Works’ funding will help to unlock the next stage of development at the Food Enterprise Zone.
The Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) already features the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing, the county council’s Hub for Agricultural Businesses and The Institute of Technology Digital Food Manufacturing Centre which makes it a flagship destination for the food sector.
These enabling works aim to prepare the continued growth of the area and develop further opportunities for investment and innovation.
Cllr Sean Matthews, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is evidence of our strong working relationship with the Mayor for Greater Lincolnshire and her office, as we have developed strong, impactful bids to attract investment from the combined authority.
“These projects that will support business growth, productivity and jobs in the county, and in particular support our rural economy which plays a vital role in national food security.
“This funding is also a solid demonstration of how we can support growth and innovative projects through stronger investment propositions and bids instead of borrowing. It shows how we can successfully attract investment into our local economy, without burdening the council with debt, and we’ll be looking to double down on this approach going forward.
“I’m excited to see how these projects progress over the next year and look forward to reporting back on their undoubted success against our local growth objectives.”
On awarding both projects funding, the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority commended the proposals for their strong strategic fit, clear delivery plans and good value for money.
Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, said: "The Growth Development Fund is about turning ideas into investable opportunities. By supporting the early development work needed to bring forward major projects, we are helping local authorities build a strong pipeline of future investments that can create jobs, improve infrastructure and strengthen our economy.
"The quality and ambition of the applications received demonstrates the significant opportunities that exist across Greater Lincolnshire. These projects will help us unlock future funding opportunities and support our priorities for growth, innovation, transport and skills."
Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor, University of Lincoln, said:
“It is great news that we have secured funding for the Innovation Connect pilot project. This has huge potential to drive innovation across the business community.
“Through this initiative, we aim to become a more accessible R&D partner for businesses, providing direct support through dedicated Growth Hub advisers who will work closely with the university's business team. This will make it easier for businesses to connect with our academics, expertise and specialist facilities, helping them to innovate and grow.
“This strategic intervention will allow us to be impactful with the support we’re planning to deliver and will provide a template for a wider model that will help even more local businesses find ways to innovate and drive growth.”
Now funding is secured, the projects are expected to be delivered between August 2026 and July 2027, helping to embed innovation in Lincolnshire's businesses and create the conditions for future economic growth.