The UEA and Hethel Innovation Sign MOU

Hethel Innovation and the University of East Anglia have formed a powerful partnership, promising to ignite bold ideas and shape a vibrant future for Norfolk and beyond. This partnership is now formalised with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration positions Hethel Innovation and the UEA to accelerate Innovation, drive sustainable growth, and empower the next generation of visionary leaders. As Hethel Innovation grows, this partnership positions us to truly champion the game-changing innovations, now and in the future.

Hethel Innovation and UEA: Inspiring Innovation, Transforming Futures

Building on a Foundation of Success and Ambition

Together, Hethel Innovation and UEA have already created remarkable milestones, from establishing Productivity East to launching the Tastebuds Collective food innovation network and advancing marine biotech through the Seaweed and Algae Innovation Platform. These successes have been driven by the remarkable collaboration between teams on both sides, joining academic brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating that teamwork between institutions unlocks extraordinary potential.

Unlocking New Horizons for Innovation and Growth

This new agreement positions us both to drive projects that will elevate Norfolk’s innovation ecosystem to new heights:

Bringing world-class research facilities and cutting-edge expertise within reach of local businesses across all three Hethel Innovation sites. Fueling breakthroughs that challenge convention and create real-world impact, we know that Innovation

Creating dynamic opportunities for students and graduates to apply talent and fresh thinking to pressing challenges, turning academic inspiration into successful, scalable businesses that energise the regional economy.
Opening doors to collaborative funding and resources, making it possible to take ambitious ideas from concept to reality quicker than ever before.

Driving a Sustainable Future

At the heart of this partnership is a shared vision to lead the clean technology revolution. Together, Hethel Innovation and UEA are championing Innovation that respects and restores the planet—advancing clean energy solutions, circular economy models, and nature-positive technologies designed to protect Norfolk’s environment while creating thriving, future-ready industries.

Voices That Inspire

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Hethel Innovation, expresses the spirit of this partnership:
“This is more than collaboration, it’s a catalyst for change that empowers every member of our community to dream bigger, innovate boldly, and achieve more. By uniting our expertise and passion, we are shaping a future where technology and talent unlock endless possibilities.”

UEA Vice Chancellor Prof David Maguire adds:
“Our partnership embodies the power of shared vision and collective action. Together, we’re building a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures Innovation at every level and creates meaningful opportunities for students, businesses, and the region as a whole.”

Commitment Beyond Innovation

Signing the UEA Civic Charter reaffirms Hethel Innovation’s dedication to supporting thriving, inclusive communities, ensuring that economic progress goes hand in hand with social and environmental well-being.
Further empowering Hethel Innovation to create a working Solution-Based Culture. Enabling innovative knowledge to be exchanged and challenged. We know what essential Game Changing insight is coming, and we know what’s with us now.

This partnership is an invitation to entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and changemakers to join a journey of discovery and impact that will define Norfolk’s future. Together, we’re turning ambition into achievement and ideas into a lasting legacy.