Beyond the usual suspects

Meet the organisations using konfer to find new partners

When organisations need fresh ideas or specialist expertise, the right people are not always the ones already in their network.

Universities may have the knowledge and facilities businesses need, but not always the visibility of live industry challenges. Businesses may know what problem they need to solve, but not where to find the right research partner. And overseas organisations looking to work with the UK innovation ecosystem often need a clearer route in.

That is where konfer can help. Developed by the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), konfer helps organisations share opportunities, reach beyond their usual contacts and connect with researchers, businesses and innovators who have relevant expertise.

The platform showcases a growing community of businesses, universities, research and technology organisations (RTOs), public bodies and innovation agencies looking for new collaborations.

Here are just a few of the organisations using konfer to reach new partners.

Ploughshare: turning defence innovation into national benefit

Ploughshare, the Ministry of Defence's commercialisation partner, uses konfer to connect its portfolio of defence-inspired technologies with new licensing partners - roughly doubling its annual leads and enquiries. Read the full story

ACCIÓ: connecting Catalan innovation with UK expertise

ACCIÓ, Catalonia's agency for business competitiveness and innovation, uses konfer to bring Catalan innovation challenges into the UK ecosystem. Since 2024, the partnership has generated 20+ qualified meetings and more than doubled conversion rates against traditional scouting methods. Read the full story

Energy Innovation Centre: 120+ connections and counting

Since joining konfer, the Energy Innovation Centre has made more than 120 connections, including links with 35 universities, with over 40% converting into its own Innovation Hub. Read the full story 

Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Catalyst (IBIC)

The latest organisation to join konfer, IBIC is a £5 million EPSRC-backed initiative led by the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool. It is using the platform to connect industrial biotechnology challenges with people who can help turn ideas into practical solutions. View IBIC's profile on konfer

UKRI Talent: £25 million to build the UK's research talent pipeline

UKRI Talent, the part of UK Research and Innovation focused on attracting and developing people across the UK's research and innovation workforce, joined konfer this month. Its first call offers up to £25 million for Venture Doctoral Focal Awards, supporting entrepreneurship-focused doctoral training through one to three awards at 100% of eligible costs. View UKRI Talent's profile on konfer.

Your next collaboration could be one post away

From defence technologies and international collaboration to industrial biotechnology and doctoral talent funding, these organisations are using konfer to get their opportunities in front of people they may not otherwise reach.

Whether you want to post a challenge, showcase your expertise or start a new conversation, konfer can help you find the researchers, businesses and innovators who could move your ideas forward.

Explore featured organisations using konfer to reach new partners, or contact konfer-support@ncub.co.uk to get started

Not sure where to begin? The team can help shape your opportunity and get it in front of the right audience. Get in touch: konfer-support@ncub.co.uk