We’re proud to mark five incredible years of success at the Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway (ICKG)! Since opening in 2018, the centre has established itself as a dynamic hub for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the East of England.
Over the past five years, ICKG has supported 250 companies, created over 500 jobs and contributed more than £20 million to the local economy. Additionally, businesses based at the centre have secured £6.5 million in grants and investments with our guidance, driving growth and innovation across the whole region.
ICKG’s unique offering combines flexible office and coworking spaces with a supportive ecosystem designed to help start-ups and scale-ups succeed. Our Innovation Director provides strategic guidance, while close ties to the University of Essex help connect businesses with skilled interns, research partnerships, and placement opportunities.
Highlights from the past five years include:
- Delivering over 100 workshops attended by 4,500 participants.
- Providing 900+ hours of one-on-one business support.
- Helping businesses grow through collaboration and mentorship.
Luke, founder and CEO of &Element, shares his journey:
“When we first joined the Innovation Centre, there were four of us. Now, we’re nine and collaborating with other businesses in the building. With ICKG’s support, we’ve grown by 30%.”
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to fostering purposeful innovation, supporting our vibrant community of entrepreneurs, and driving regional economic growth.
Here’s to the next five years!
