Brighton Research Innovation Technology Exchange (BRITE)

Working to overcome difficulties drives businesses to become more creative and innovative than ever before. Using research-based insights to strengthen entrepreneurship, undertake effective innovation management and build high-performing, agile organisations has proven to be an effective approach.

Eligible SMEs can now gain access to leading innovation research, expertise and support in developing new skills and in planning the implementation of an open innovation strategy through the BRITE programme.

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BRITE is for eligible* SMEs that want to:

Increase revenue
Reduce costs
Introduce new or improved processes, products and services
Generate new customers
Explore new markets
Collaborate with other business and access facilities to bring their employees, supply chain or business clients together - hosted within a seven-storey innovation hub.

The Future's BRITE

The BRITE programme has been designed to provide SMEs with access to innovation research and development expertise and support, a modern innovation hub, and access to specialist facilities to support business growth.

In addition to the pathway elements below, BRITE members also have access to:

Innovation expertise

Knowledge is a key driver of innovation, and as generators of new knowledge and leaders in innovation research, we are well equipped to support business growth through open innovation.

Innovation hub

Mix with other innovators at the Plus X Brighton hub, a seven-storey, modern dedicated space for businesses wishing to share ideas and collaborate.

Specialist facilities

Access a range of research and development facilities, including high spec machinery, such as precision CNC milling machines, laser cutters, UX test suites, electronics laboratory, image, video and podcast studios.

Access specialist design teams to assist with prototype build and new product development.

Business innovation team

Benefit from professional innovation support, including:

Mentoring, arranged around you to avoid interrupting your working day
Regular check-ins providing support and guidance on programme progress and management
Advice and training on partnerships
Advice on how to access funding, and direct access to the university's Enterprise Team.

Accessing the programme

Applications to join the BRITE programme are now open - SMEs will need to have an appetite for growth and meet eligibility criteria in order to qualify.

As part of the Inspiring Innovation, Optimising Innovation and Access University Expertise pathways, successful applicants will take part in a unique diagnostic consultation to assess their business needs. Led by specialist innovation teams, this diagnostic process will result in a tailored programme of support.

* In order to be part of the BRITE programme, business are required to be a member of Plus X Brighton where memberships start from £150 per month for unlimited co-working access, £250 per month for resident desk access, and £350 per person per month for private studios - for more information visit: membership with Plus X Brighton.

The Brighton Research Innovation Technology Exchange (BRITE) is a business innovation programme for ambitious and established businesses led by Plus X Brighton, in partnership with the University of Brighton, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

The project is receiving up to £5m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.

OTHER programmes

In addition to the above, the BRITE programme offers a range of bespoke elements that have been carefully created to suit a range of business needs at varying stages of innovation.

Inspiring Innovation (INSPIRE)

Five month programme - second cohort starting on 12 May 2021.

This unique programme has been created using world leading innovation research, and has been informed by and developed with SMEs, enabling them to:

Identify partners with the best strategic fit for innovation projects
Develop knowledge of innovation business concepts, and skills in the management of open innovation
Receive one-to-one coaching support to develop and deliver a bespoke innovation action plan
Create, apply and track sustainable innovation practices within the business using unique tools
Explore feasibility and prototyping stages of development of new technologies and products, in preparation for commercialisation
Develop new, or significantly improved, processes and/or products (goods or services)
Re-engage with innovation projects not yet complete, scaled back, or abandoned
Explore new and significantly improved forms of organisation, business structures or practices, and marketing strategies and concepts.

POTENTIAL OUTCOMES FOR BUSINESS

Identify partners with the best strategic fit for innovation projects
Develop new skills and approaches to professionally manage innovation
Create a tailored innovation action plan
Increase revenue
Reduce costs
Introduce new or improved processes, products and services
Generate new customers
Explore new markets
Use of innovation hub and access to facilities to bring employees, supply chain or business clients together.

Find out more

Ryan Davies

Growth Hub Team Leader

Karen Tyrrell

Growth Relationship Associate

Taygan Paxton

Growth Coordinator

Tom Hughes

Peer to Peer - Admin

Andrew Kerry-Bedell

Interim Growth Relationship Manager

Richard Butcher

Interim Growth Relationship Manager

Malcolm Brabon

SME Manager

Information is provided on this website in good faith. However neither Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership nor any associated organisation or individual provide any warranty or accept any liability for information provided.

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