The Innovation HUB (UCAiHUB) Funding Scheme for Impact Projects aims to support staff members to undertake projects that have the potential to create social, economic, environmental or cultural impacts for industry, business or the community by building on expertise or knowledge in the University.
Over the past three years, the UCA Innovation Hub has been an epicenter of growth and collaborative success, reflecting our dedication to Knowledge Exchange (KE) and innovation. With an investment of £513,241.07 from 2021 to 2024 to date, our commitment has catalyzed a range of pioneering projects and partnerships. The 2023/24 funding cycle saw a purposeful investment of £199,317.95.
2023/24 saw 59 project collaborations and 139 partners to date. This signifies not just a quantitative increase, but a qualitative enhancement in the impact and scope of our work.
Round 1 of 2024-25 demonstrates a continued high level of interest in knowledge exchange and impact, with 20 applications for internal KE funding, of which 17 were funded, a total of £85,393.07 in investment. These projects will involve 37 partners in total across an impressive range of sectors from community groups to local and national businesses.
For UCA staff, find out more about the KE Funding Scheme (incl. guidance, application template and budget).
Our 2024-25 projects build on the partnerships created in previous years, adding new perspectives to UCA’s growing portfolio of initiatives. In Round 1 we funded 17 initiatives, to a total of £85,393.07. Important focuses this year including heath and wellbeing, equality and diversity and ecological perspectives enrich relationships with partners in Kent, Surrey and beyond as UCA continues to push at the boundaries of innovation, collaboration and enterprise while remaining firmly committed to sustainable goals and diversity.
Projects funded in Round 1 2024-5 span a broad range of impact projects including the development of local and national creative networks, exhibitions, workshops and seminars, and promotion of cross-disciplinary working. Several projects operate at the cutting edge technological advances, drawing on leading research in AI, app design and VR.
Subject areas span: Health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, literature, music, methodologies of learning in arts education, environment and ecology.
Projects involve many different project partners, including collaborations with leading Art & Design partners like the V&A Museum, local government and community organizations, charities and businesses.
In 2023-24, UCA backed 30 innovative projects with a £190,000 investment, engaging with 70 partners to enrich Knowledge Exchange activities. Highlights include the mesmerizing Farnham Craft Month featuring glass blowing and artist talks, the cutting-edge “Create Magic” virtual production workshop, and transformative dance workshops for those living with M.S. Other notable initiatives ranged from the “Eat Outside the Box!” food and creativity festival to significant collaborations like the “Venice Biennale Fellow Partnership” and pioneering projects such as the “Advancements in Circular Cricket Gear” and “Applications of Generative AI to the Performing Arts.” This diverse array of projects underscores UCA’s commitment to advancing creative research, fostering meaningful partnerships, and cultivating a vibrant community of innovation.
In 2022-23, the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) significantly advanced its Knowledge Exchange (KE) initiatives, investing £128,359 through KE funds and the Impact Acceleration Award (IAA). This investment supported eight specific Research England KE activities with £36,212, marking a notable progression from previous years. The period witnessed the foundation of the UCA Innovation Hub, catalyzing a transformative impact with 20 collaborative projects involving 50 external partners. This growth highlights UCA’s commitment to fostering innovation and expanding its network, setting a new benchmark for industry collaboration and research excellence.