DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Royal Academy of Engineering - Leaders in Innovation Fellowships -International Science Partnerships Fund

Project disclaimer

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Description

The Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) programme is a comprehensive initiative designed to support talented entrepreneurs from around the globe in transforming their engineering innovations into impactful, sustainable businesses. The programme nurtures bold, scalable innovations across various engineering and technology domains, addressing complex environmental, economic, and societal challenges. Through LIF Global, engineering and technology innovators gain access to experienced mentors, an international network of peers, and high-quality skills training focused on commercialization and maximizing their technology's societal impact. The flagship and introductory programme recruits up to 100 engineers, researchers, and early-stage tech entrepreneurs from supported countries, who aim to commercialize their research through a 7-month programme of specialized training, mentoring, and networking events in both their home country and the UK, ultimately developing a market strategy and growth plan. Participants work towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas such as cleantech, healthtech, agtech, and edtech, utilizing novel technologies like AI, Blockchain, sustainable materials, novel chemical processes, and new hardware to address socio-economic problems with global potential. Additionally, the LIF Community supports programme graduates through bimonthly newsletters and the LIF Advance initiative, which offers deep dives into scaling later-stage businesses. This ODA-eligible programme primarily aims to promote the economic development and welfare of developing countries, aligning with the core objectives of Official Development Assistance (ODA) by empowering local innovators to create sustainable, market-ready solutions to pressing global challenges.

Objectives

The primary objective of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) Global programme is to build the capacity of engineers and researchers for entrepreneurship and commercialization of innovations that support the social welfare and economic development of emerging and developing countries. By addressing global challenges such as Climate Change and achieving Net Zero, the programme supports researchers and innovators in using technology and engineering research to create sustainable businesses aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves deconstructing the problems being addressed and ensuring sustainable solutions are implemented. The fund strengthens research capacity in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) by demonstrating the commercial potential of research, promoting increased technology entrepreneurship, and fostering good practices in product development among university educators and students. In-country partners also benefit from training and networking opportunities that bolster their entrepreneurial support ecosystems.

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Location

The country, countries or regions that benefit from this Programme.

Developing countries, unspecified

Disclaimer: Country borders do not necessarily reflect the UK Government's official position.