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Innovation Catalyst

Creating prosperity in place

About the Catalyst

The Innovation Catalyst is a research-informed platform from Lancaster University that connects businesses, academic experts and key stakeholders to address real-world challenges through collaboration.

Built on research from Lancaster University Management School, this initiative brings together businesses, academic expertise, and key stakeholders to explore complex issues in a structured, solution focused way. It follows a flexible, challenge-led model designed to accelerate innovation—moving from insight to impact.

Through a series of facilitated sessions over several months, collaborators work together to define and prioritise key challenges, co-develop practical solutions based on academic insight, and support implementation in real business contexts.

Current Catalysts

  • Data Catalyst

    A collaborative initiative designed to help Preston businesses unlock the full potential of their data

  • AI Digital Catalyst

    A collaborative initiative designed to help Westmorland businesses gain competitive edge through digital innovation

  • Nuclear Catalyst

    Taskforce collaborations for north west businesses to collaborate and develop new low carbon innovations for a prosperous and sustainable future.