This week, Downtown in Business is highlighting Knowledge Quarter Liverpool as it marks its tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade of innovation, collaboration and inclusive growth in the city.
Founded in October 2016, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool was established to harness the strength of Liverpool’s knowledge economy and innovation assets, creating a world-class destination for science, education, health, technology and culture. Its founding partners – the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool City Council – shared a vision for deeper collaboration, investment and inclusive growth. This partnership was strengthened in 2020 with the addition of Bruntwood SciTech and the creation of the spin-out development company Sciontec.
Over the past ten years, KQ Liverpool has grown into one of the UK’s most successful innovation districts. It is now home to more than 400 businesses employing over 15,000 people, welcomes more than 60,000 students each year and offers extensive business support and innovation skills programmes across the city region. Its impact has helped Liverpool achieve recognition as the third most innovative city in Europe in the European Capital of Innovation Awards.
Inclusive innovation sits at the heart of KQ Liverpool’s work. Through initiatives such as the KQ Futures programme, the organisation engages hundreds of young people each year, from primary schools through to sixth forms, while its placemaking and social value achievements have been recognised with 15 industry awards to date.
To mark its tenth anniversary, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool will deliver a series of ten major events and initiatives over the coming year. These include fundraising challenges in support of local charities, a community festival, a schools art competition, the creation of a time capsule to be opened in 2040 and the launch of a refreshed brand identity.
