Registrations close at 5pm on Wednesday 22 May

What is Open London?

The Open London project brings together London residents, local authorities, public and private sector organisations, innovative London SMEs and social enterprises to solve socio-economic, health and environmental challenges and increase living standards in London.

Open London is based on an 'open innovation' model. It takes residents' and communities' insights and aligns these with urgent and important requirements of local authorities and public and private sector organisations working towards solving pressing issues across London, i.e., London boroughs, contractors, corporates, local communities etc. In the Open London project context, these organisations are called 'Challenge Holders'.

Open London will support 90 London SMEs/social enterprises to scale their innovations by March 2025.

Why should you apply (What's in it for you)?

By joining the Open London project, you will have the opportunity to:

• Access an intensive Accelerator Programme specifically designed to help you develop your innovative solution to solve pressing challenges affecting your fellow Londoners and generate revenue.
• Receive ongoing bespoke 1-2-1 support from our experienced Open Innovation advisers.
• Pitch to a panel for the possibility to receive a small grant towards the development and commercialisation of your innovative product or service and, potentially, engage with London private and public sector organisations focusing on addressing the challenge your solution can help solve (Challenge Holders).

Is your business eligible and suitable?

To be eligible to join this subsidised project, businesses must:

• Be based in London
• Be registered in the UK
• Meet the SMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) criteria according to the European SME definition

To be suitable to join this project, businesses must:

• Be an innovative SME with a potential solution to the relevant challenge
• Commit to attending all sessions as part of the Open London Accelerator Programme listed below.

What is the Open London Accelerator programme?

The Open London Accelerator programme is delivered by experts and will be held over six workshop sessions across a period of three months covering the following subjects:

1. Stage one – Problem definition and market positioning
2. Stage two – Value proposition and Intellectual property
3. Stage three – Collaborative business models
4. Stage four – Collaboration and partnership
5. Stage five – The ask (build an launch / routes to market)
6. Stage six – Life’s a pitch

The Accelerator workshops will be held virtually or in person at a location in Central London, with one session taking place every week.

Applications are open for Challenges focusing on six key Challenge Areas: Transport, Environment, Health/Wellbeing, Social Care, Energy and Housing.

Workshops for Cohort three will commence in June 2024

Registrations close at 5pm on Wednesday 22 May

In addition to attending the workshops, the selected businesses will also receive ongoing bespoke 1-2-1 support from our Open Innovation Advisers to support the development, creation and commercialisation of new or improved products and services to address the challenge.

Who is funding and delivering the Open London project?

The Open London project is supported by the Mayor of London and delivered by Newable on behalf of the Greater London Authority

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and will provide £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For full details please click here.