RISE (Research, Innovation in Sussex Excellence) is an innovation business support programme, that provides access to fully funded expertise and technology from the universities of Brighton and Sussex.

By working with university partners through the RISE project, small and medium sized enterprises can now benefit from fully funded, research-led advice and innovation support.

Our mission is to help local businesses take charge of their innovation, capitalise on new opportunities and become more productive, competitive and resilient.

The RISE project was established to provide an open door for Sussex-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to access support from two of their main local research and innovation-led universities: University of Brighton and University of Sussex.

RISE aims to share the wealth of knowledge and expertise on your doorstep in Sussex to support our business community to meet economic challenges and adapt to shifting market conditions.

RISE – Research and Innovation in Sussex Excellence – is a completely free-of-charge innovation service for eligible businesses due to funding from the European Research and Development Fund (EDRF), with support from West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex District and Borough Councils.

Who is eligible?

RISE intensive support will focus on businesses based in West Sussex, with an emphasis on rural West Sussex, coastal West Sussex and the Crawley/Gatwick Diamond areas. All SMEs from across the region are welcome to join the network as either members or friends of RISE, depending on their eligibility for the full level of support.

Find out more about what’s on offer and our eligibility criteria via our Frequently Asked Questions.

RISE Innovation Advisors are here to support you through strategy and goal-setting activities. They will link you to the universities, helping you to access expertise and resources.