For those that want
to learn quicker.

For those that want
to build better.

For help developing
our shared future.

South Bank Innovation
Taking You Further

South Bank Innovation brings together the world-class expertise and facilities of London South Bank University with leading consultants from the cut and thrust of the private sector.

Man standing at lectern in from of people
3D printer making a complex shape

With projects covering a range of business stages and sectors, our fully-funded support ensures we are able to provide free access to industry-leading research and development.

Develop

We enable individuals and businesses to hone existing skills or develop entirely new ones. Regardless of ability level, there is always room for improvement and growth.

Webinars & Workshops

A range of expert-led workshops that are designed to provide SMEs with the knowledge and skills to maintain and progress their business.

Events & Networking

Throughout the year we host a range of events to encourage interaction between SMEs, investors, and industry bodies. These events are often related to a theme or global issue, such as investment, blockchain or sustainability.

Access Resources

As both a University and business support provider, we have accumulated an extensive range of information and resources. As a member, you’ll benefit from our knowledge, experience and networks.

From thinking that it’s not going to work out to thinking "now we’re on the right track" - and in 3 or 4 months we will have a product.

250+
Annual Workshops
4.8/5
Average Event Rating
2000+
Businesses supported
25+
Funded student placements

Deliver

As businesses progress their needs become more specific and problems more acute. By providing focused and bespoke assistance we enable participants to progress with greater ease and a significantly reduced financial outlay.

Product Development

We offer research opportunities to businesses looking to achieve a specific goal:

  • Create a physical prototype
  • Develop a new process or material
  • Prove a hypothesis or claim to meet legal requirements
  • User Testing
  • Refine an existing idea

You are then able to move forward with the confidence that your idea has been ratified by leading academic body.

Read how we helped ProYouth develop 3 new snack bars

Access Expertise

A good leader is as valuable to a business as a good product or idea. Throughout participation, you will have regular face-to-face meetings with experts able to provide you with feedback, mentorship and the benefit of their experience

Student Collaborations

We will fund an LSBU student to work directly with eligible SMEs to deliver a short-term project, such as website development, social media assistance, or accounting.

Image of three protein energy bars

The support helped with getting a large supermarket chain to take some samples which they would not have done without the free shelf-life testing.

240
New products launched
120
Jobs created
40,000+
Hours of dedicated support
50+
Delivery experts

Go Further

Connect with us and gain the advantage of being at the centre of our networks - we’ll ensure that you hear about and access further opportunities from strategic partners and like-minded organisations.

More Support

Once you’ve completed your programme, we won’t abandon you. Choose to meet with a Business Development Manager to discuss other ways LSBU can support your ideas and development.

Alumni Network

All participants of our programmes have an opportunity to join Slack channels for both their current programme and a general Alumni group. In these groups we encourage the sharing of information, resources and experience. If you're struggling with a problem, chances are someone will have experienced something similar before.

Funding Opportunities

We scour the web so that you don’t have to - check out our portal anytime to see new funding opportunities from the likes of Innovate UK, SBRI and industry bodies.

Visit our funding page for all current opportunities.
British Business Bank logo
Goldsmiths University logo
Southwark Council logo
NHS logo
Greater London Authority logo
We Are Waterloo Business Improvement District logo
The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed logo
UK Government Logo
European Regional Development Fund logo
University Arts London - London College of Communication logo
Tech Nation logo
Newham College Logo

We took on new investors and now have the product in the market - we would not have achieved this without the support.

£29m+
Funding Received
20+
Partner Organisations
2000+
Alumni Network
50+
Live Funding Opportunities

Supporting you
through the pandemic

We've set up new processes and procedures to ensure you're safe. We've also moved much of our support online.

Shorter Sessions

We understand the issues of webinar-fatigue, that's why we've shortened our sessions to ensure you get the same content in less time.

Frequent Contact

We provide regular contact and feedback sessions so that you can consistently progress despite Covid-19.

Research & Development

Research and development projects are still proceeding in a Covid-safe environment.

Without the support of SI we would not have been able to progress as rapidly as we have and would have not yet secured our IP.

ANDREW HODGSON – IF.VEHICLES
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We have had to furlough less of our staff. Our production has increased to over 500 units, and we are proud to be supporting the Government’s COVID-19 Management Plan by feeding key workers.

ILAN BREGA – PURE FOODS OF LONDON
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The programme offers a lot of access to equipment and academics, it is very startup-friendly and forward thinking.

PIERRE YVES-PASLIER – NOTPLA
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Our Impact

Man riding an electric delivery scooter

Without the support of SI we would not have been able to progress as rapidly as we have and would have not yet secured our IP.

Andrew Hodgson – IF.vehicles
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Coronavirus cells

We have had to furlough less of our staff. Our production has increased to over 500 units, and we are proud to be supporting the Government’s COVID-19 Management Plan by feeding key workers."

Ilan Brega – Pure Foods of london
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Notpla logo

The programme offers a lot of access to equipment and academics, it is very startup-friendly and forward thinking.

Pierre Yves-Paslier – Notpla
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Are you ready?

We'll provide the access, expertise and time you need to progress. All you have to do is choose the support you want.
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Choose programme

Click to begin your innovation journey.

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Speak to our team

Let our team find the right support for you.