Business Services
We help organisations innovate, solve problems, and accelerate growth. Our business services give you direct access to academic expertise, funded innovation programmes, specialist consultancy and evaluation, data‑driven insights and skilled talent. Tell us what challenge you are facing and we will help you find the right route forward.
Business services for innovation and growth
We deliver commercially focused projects driven by world‑class research and a proven record of working with organisations of all sizes. Whether you need support exploring new technologies, improving processes, strengthening strategy or securing external funding, we will guide you from scoping through to delivery and impact.
Our services
Innovate UK funded partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Work with us through programmes like Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) to bring new thinking into your organisation. These collaborations pair your team with academic specialists and a dedicated researcher to deliver strategic innovation projects that strengthen your capabilities, reduce risk, and accelerate development.
As the leading university for KTPs, and winner of Best Knowledge Base KTP Support Team at Innovate UK’s KTP Awards 2025, we have the experience and track record to help your business achieve real, lasting change.
Essex funded innovation partnerships
Innovation Fund
Discover opportunities to innovate faster, smarter and with greater impact through our Innovation Fund. Whether you are a start-up, large corporate, public-sector organisation, charity, or social enterprise, we can help you identify new opportunities and tackle challenges with confidence.
The Innovation Fund is available exclusively to organisations that work with us by accessing our research, knowledge or specialist expertise. It gives you targeted support to accelerate innovation, strengthen your capabilities and drive meaningful change within your organisation.
Consultancy
If you need targeted expertise, our academic consultants can support you on defined projects ranging from technical development and process improvement to strategy, policy, analysis and testing. We help you shape the brief, identify the right experts and deliver practical, evidence‑based outcomes.
Collaborative research
Collaborative research projects bring together your business and academic partners to address strategically important challenges and opportunities. These projects are supported by a range of funders, including research councils, trusts, charities and Innovate UK, all of whom invest in initiatives that enable universities and industry to work together on high‑value innovation.
With extensive experience in securing and delivering collaborative research funding, we can guide you through the process and help you access the support needed to move your ideas forward.
Evaluation Services
Make informed decisions with robust evaluation and assurance services. Our specialists analyse what works, assess value for money and help you understand the real impact of your strategy, interventions or programmes. We work across public, private and third‑sector organisations looking to manage risk and plan effectively.
AI and data solutions
Access leading expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, analytics and computer vision to solve complex challenges. From automating processes and predicting demand to developing ethical and trustworthy AI systems, we help you apply data and intelligence in ways that improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making and boost performance.
IP Licensing
We offer a portfolio of novel technologies developed by our researchers that your business or organisation can license. These innovations can form the basis of new collaborative research projects and be strengthened through support from our academic experts to maximise their value and impact.
We work closely with industry partners to develop technologies for commercial success, taking a flexible approach to align our research strengths with your needs.
We'll help you understand the funding landscape and identify opportunities that fit your goals. Whether you are exploring Innovate UK programmes or targeted schemes, we provide support with scoping, application development and building strong, competitive cases for investment.
How we work
1. Tell us your challenge
2. We identify the right route
Our team will match you to relevant expertise and outline the best partnership pathway.
3. Funding and project set up
Where suitable, we help you secure funding and build a clear project plan.
4. Delivery and measurable impact
We stay involved throughout, ensuring the work achieves practical, commercially relevant results.
Success stories
Our collaborations span sectors including health, logistics, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, sustainability, professional services and digital technology. Explore how organisations have used our expertise to transform products, processes and performance.
See how others have innovated with Essex
Get the best value for money when investing in new services. Let us help you make informed, evidence-based decisions, and reduce the risks of change and innovation in your organisation.