The ABOVE project was delivered in partnership between Medilink Midlands, Anglia Ruskin University, and Essex County Council.
Please note that the grant funding has been assigned and referral will now be made directly to the Arise Innovation Hubs for business support
The ‘Arise Beyond Open Innovation for Value and Entrepreneurship’ (ABOVE), was a collaborative programme delivered in partnership with Arise Innovation Hubs, part of Anglia Ruskin University.
The ABOVE programme provided innovation support grants as well as sector-specific events around the themes of health, performance and wellbeing.
As a specialist provider of support to the life sciences sector, Medilink Midlands provided expert guidance to SMEs on how to overcome barriers to growth throughout their innovation journey.
Essex County Council has provided the funding for this project in support of their ten-year strategy to grow the life science, DigiTech, advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, leading to more opportunity, jobs and growth across Essex.
In addition to the innovation support and events programme, the ABOVE programme included a limited number of innovation grants eligble to Essex SME’s, up to £5,000 to help unlock their business potential.
Hear how we've supported the innovators:
Aeriel Icon is an award-winning aerial videography and VR therapy provider, using the latest in drone and filmmaking technology to deliver high quality aerial imagery and film, developing AI and VR medical content.
Japeto is a software development business, specialising in AI-powered chatbots. The team of six build bespoke website, web apps and chatbots to help clients connect better digitally, even in higher risk scenarios.
Who the programme was designed for:
- Organisations working in medical technology, life science and related sectors.
- Organisations partially or wholly, located or relocating to Essex.
- Businesses, not-for-profit and charitable organisations
- Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). – Pre/startup businesses are not excluded.
- Organisations that will create collaborative research and development projects with Higher Education Institutes, notably Anglia Ruskin University, or other businesses.
Examples of funding use:
- Creation of new products, services and secure jobs.
- To generate or unlock additional research and development funds/investment in Essex.
- To create collaborative research and development projects with Higher Education Institutes, notably Anglia Ruskin University, or other businesses.
Interested companies should contact:
Jack Ellum, Arise Innovation Manager
Email: Jack.Ellum@aru.ac.uk
Arise Innovation Hub, Harlow Innovation Park, Maypole Boulevard, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9TX
Arise Innovation Hub, Alan Cherry Drive, Chelmsford, CM1 1QT
Victoria Patel, Innovation Manager, Medilink Midlands
Whilst the ABOVE programme is now closed, if you are an innovator or organistaion looking for support or advise on support, funding or project delivery support, please get in touch: info@medilinkmidlands.com
For additional updates on the ABOVE programme, you can also visit the ARU website.