Briefing Note: New Local Innovation Partnerships Fund – Unlocking Jobs and Growth through AI, Data & Smart Infrastructure

Empowering Local Leaders to Build Smarter, More Innovative Places 

The UK Government has announced a new £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) to help councils, combined authorities, and local partners turn innovation into local jobs and growth. Managed by UKRI and DSIT, the fund will provide up to £20 million for new regional partnerships—building on the success of areas such as Glasgow City Region and Greater Manchester, which are already pioneering innovation-led regeneration and smart infrastructure. 

Why This Matters to You 

This fund gives local leaders the resources to: 

• Attract high-value investment by aligning digital infrastructure with innovation clusters. 

• Create new jobs in data, AI, and technology-enabled sectors. 

• Tackle local priorities such as transport, energy, waste, and water through smart infrastructure. 

• Enhance productivity by using digital twins and real-time data for better decision-making. 

  
  

For local authorities, universities, and innovation partners, this is an opportunity to position your region as a national leader in AI, data, and smart city innovation. 

Opportunities 

✅ Smart Infrastructure & IoT: Deploy sensors and connectivity to monitor energy, waste, and transport, improving efficiency and sustainability. 

✅ Digital Twins: Create dynamic models of towns or cities to optimise planning, mobility, and building performance. 

✅ AI & Robotics Testbeds: Establish local incubators and demonstrators to accelerate innovation and commercial adoption. 

These initiatives can drive inclusive economic growth while supporting UK priorities around net zero, health, and productivity. 

How Intelligens Consulting Can Help 

Intelligens Consulting has deep experience supporting local authorities to design, fund, and deliver digital and innovation-driven programmes. We can help you: 

✅ Identify Strategic Opportunities – Assess your region’s innovation strengths and investment potential. 

✅ Develop Winning Bids – Build compelling, evidence-based funding proposals aligned with LIPF priorities. 

✅ Design & Implement Projects – Shape practical, scalable projects that deliver measurable outcomes. 

✅ Measure Impact – Evaluate success, track benefits, and build the evidence for future investment. 

Contact us to explore how we can help you maximise your region’s share of the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund on info@intelligensconsulting.com.