
EIRA (Enabling Innovation: Research to Application) is a consortium of seven universities and colleges in the East of England that supports innovation by providing businesses with funded knowledge exchange across three key areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital creative. The project facilitates access to academic expertise, consultancy, collaborative research, specialist facilities, and funding to help businesses grow and innovate. EIRA leverages the strengths of its network institutions, including the University of Essex, University of East Anglia, University of Kent, Harlow College, Norwich University of the Arts, University of Suffolk, and Writtle University College, to deliver impactful knowledge exchange and innovation support tailored to regional market needs. The initiative has transformed the business and economic landscape in the region by fostering collaboration between academia and industry, supporting start-ups, SMEs, and larger companies, and driving economic and social impact through research excellence and innovation.

EIRA (Enabling Innovation: Research to Application) is a consortium of seven universities and colleges in the East of England that supports innovation by providing businesses with funded knowledge exchange across three key areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital creative. The project facilitates access to academic expertise, consultancy, collaborative research, specialist facilities, and funding to help businesses grow and innovate. EIRA leverages the strengths of its network institutions, including the University of Essex, University of East Anglia, University of Kent, Harlow College, Norwich University of the Arts, University of Suffolk, and Writtle University College, to deliver impactful knowledge exchange and innovation support tailored to regional market needs. The initiative has transformed the business and economic landscape in the region by fostering collaboration between academia and industry, supporting start-ups, SMEs, and larger companies, and driving economic and social impact through research excellence and innovation.
What: EIRA is a Research England–funded knowledge-exchange consortium (Enabling Innovation: Research to Application) supporting businesses in the East of England.
Focus areas: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital creative
Consortium: Network of seven universities and colleges led by the University of Essex
Funding: Awarded £4.7 million from Research England's Connecting Capabilities Fund (announced April 2018)
Bridging the gap between academic research and industry to boost regional business innovation and economic impact.
Knowledge exchange / university–industry innovation
£4.7 million
Award announced April 2018 to fund the EIRA programme
“Research England funded the programme and EIRA provides grants and microfinance to businesses via partner institutions.”