Now in its 4th successful year the ERDF funded Cumbria Innovations Platform aims to help boost economic growth in Cumbria by providing micro, small and medium enterprises with innovation support. We provide unique and diverse business innovation support drawing on the capabilities from the universities of Lancaster and Cumbria.
Cumbria Innovations Platform will enable you to explore new ideas by providing practical guidance and support. Whether you have a brand new product or service idea or are further developing an existing product of service, we can support you to take it to the next level.
University of Cumbria will match your business innovation needs with a suitably skilled and experienced student supported by a subject specialist academic supervisor.
A programme of funded masterclasses and events created to meet the needs of businesses innovation. The programme focuses on different aspects of the innovation journey i.e. funding innovation, commercialising innovation, intellectual property rights and much more
Product prototyping is costly but eligible businesses can access funded support directly from Lancaster University. SMEs have benefitted from a variety of interventions provided by Lancaster University i.e. testing, analysis, and digital support.
Provided by Lancaster University Management School, designed for business leaders with a desire to explore innovation challenges (may be sector specific).
"This has been really worthwhile in helping me develop my understanding of international markets and cultures’" Naz Craig, owner of Bownessie
Thank you for your support, time and understanding around the projects my business works on. I appreciate everything you have done to make this happen." Carl Hodges – Owner/director Innovation Technology Office
Research placements and internships are an ideal way for students to extend their research skills, enhance employability by researching for a real business, strengthen CVs and gain excellence references. In addition CUSP research students get paid by the University Of Cumbria for the work they do.
There are 2 routes to securing student research opportunities; paid internships lasting for a maximum of 140 hours and paid* Masters research placements lasting for the duration of the student’s research modules, usually up to 4 months (*stipend paid each month of the research dissertation module).
All students are supported by academic supervisors and mentored by the Project Manager. We are on hand to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that your placement is enjoyable and productive.
Internships are usually worked flexibly and can be done on campus or with the business. Students often undertake internships whilst studying and some use the experience as a theme for their dissertation.
Masters students usually use the 4-month placements to generate evidence for their research dissertation. Like internships, the master’s placements are flexible and can be managed alongside other commitments.
"The internship helped me to gain clearer understanding of future career opportunities. I had thought about becoming self-employed and working alone but this opportunity has shown me the benefits of working in a team." Beth Martindale – My Way Code intern
Student internship opportunities are advertised on the current vacancies section of the University Of Cumbria website. You will need to formally apply for each opportunity as you would with a normal job application. If your application in successful you will be invited for an interview with the project manager and the business owner.
If you would like help with your application, preparing your CV or would like an informal chat about any of the opportunities please contact:
Sarah Allison – Project Manager, Cumbria Innovations Platform – cusp@cumbria.ac.uk or call 07969 768919
Be the first to hear about opportunities by registering your interest and signing up here.
The University of Cumbria offers a series of practical masterclasses and events designed to help businesses gain the tools to shape innovative ideas. From concept through to commercialisation, these Masterclasses and events equip businesses with the necessary skills and knowledge needed for today’s ever competitive market.
Topics can be mixed and matched depending on individuals’ areas of interest and where their organisation is on the innovation journey. Businesses are required to attend at least two
Masterclasses of their choice over a 12 month period, which are tailored around the needs and demands of participating businesses and will encourage networking between participants.
For upcoming innovation workshops for SME's in Cumbria (and other events at the University of Cumbria), see below:
Support is available to European Regional Development Fund eligible companies. To find out if your company is eligible for support please
email CUSP@cumbria.ac.uk
For more information please contact
Sarah Allison – Project Manager, Institute of Business, Industry & Leadership
07969 768919
