Major investment announced for the regeneration of Don Valley Corridor. The development site, which starts at Sheffield Innovation Spine and ends at Rotherham Gateway, is anchored by four innovation campuses and more than 30 translational research assets.

We are seeking proposals to deliver an independent evaluation of the first phase of the Sheffield Innovation Spine.

Deadline for proposals is midnight on 25th March 2026 and there is a budget up to £10k.

If this sounds of interest, please get in touch for the bid pack at participate@sheffieldinnovationspine.com.

In 2025, the University of Sheffield delivered a record number of spinouts and over £41 million raised in private investment. Sheffield’s commercialisation engine is powering a wave of innovation in advanced manufacturing and life sciences to award-winning digital technologies, driving growth across Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Read the full highlights and achievements here.

This month we saw the launch of the City Landing Pad in Sheffield city centre - a new space and platform supporting a city-wide approach to attracting investment and fostering business and public sector partnerships. City Landing Pad is a collaboration between Sheffield Property Association, Sheffield Chamber, Sheffield BID, Sheffield Technology Parks, and Sheffield City Council. The partnership aims to showcase Sheffield’s strengths, including the Sheffield Innovation Spine, to investors, by convening investment-critical partners and speaking with 'one voice' from a statement space within the Heart of the City development.  You can listen to the full SPA Podcast announcing the launch here.

Sheffield semiconductor trailblazers Phlux Technologies, are developing high-performance infrared sensors that are set to drive advancements in industries worldwide. Spinning out of the University of Sheffield, Phlux now operate from Spine innovation hub, Pennine Five. In 2023, Phlux secured £4M in funding from Octopus Ventures and Northern Gritstone, and is leading a €500,000 European Space Agency project to enhance satellite communications.

Last month, Spine university partners, leaders from government, the NHS and our life sciences sectors united for a Summit in Sheffield city centre. The aim? To unlock South Yorkshire's potential and position the region at the forefront of the UK’s £100 billion life sciences sector.

Spine Partners, University of Sheffield, are supporting the next generation of innovators in the region to start up and scale businesses. The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), a world-leading research and innovation network focused on advanced machining, manufacturing, and materials, recently launched the AMRC FerretWorks: Startup programme.

Sheffield has received a prestigious industry award at a significant place marketing event, having been shortlisted alongside destinations and places from across the world.