The Port City Innovation Hub (PCiH) offers SMEs and start-ups tailored support to introduce new products, services, or processes to grow and scale their businesses in the Liverpool City region.
Since January 2022, 8 companies have been enjoying the benefits of the first cohort and moving rapidly through the programme with support from other delivery partners. Mersey Maritime are running bespoke and cluster events, Wirral Chamber are providing wrap-around support, and the University of Liverpool provide opportunities to utilise Masters research students and interns.
The programme is led by Wirral Council and jointly funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The £1.9m project seeks to accelerate innovation and growth within the region’s £2 billion-plus maritime economy over the next 18 months, as a forerunner to the opening of the £23m Maritime Knowledge Hub in Wirral Waters.
Delivery partners for PCIH, the global innovation consultancy – Rainmaking is currently in full swing with the first cohort of their innovation sprints programme. Their dynamic offering is a 20 week intensive programme that takes an idea from conception through to full prototype and launch to market. Participants receive expert coaching, mentorship, workshops and access to international Maritime experts to help validate their idea and get market ready.
Recruitment is now open for the 2nd Rainmaking Sprint Cohort due to start on the 4th July. If you’re a SME or Start up operating in the Maritime Sector or another industry and want to explore opportunities then please contact Innovation Programme Director – Neil Meekin at neil@rainmaking.io for more information or apply here – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ttwNDUMm9AxsfQ2GkUCz2BTUTN3DOIq1YJHGSOa4q8M/edit
The Programme is open to businesses in the Liverpool City Region (not including Halton) or businesses from across the UK who are keen to set up an operation in the region.
More general information about Port City Innovation Hub and our delivery partners can be found here: www.portcity.uk. Find us on Linkedin at ‘Port City Innovation Hub’ and on Twitter at ‘@Portcity_LCR’.
