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The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will question experts in the second session of its inquiry into Innovation, growth and the regions.
In this session, the cross-party committee will explore some of the challenges facing start-ups looking to scale up their businesses.
In the first panel, members will explore financing within the science and innovation sector. Questions could focus on barriers to accessing funding for start-ups and scale-ups and whether the government does enough to boost investment and support research commercialisation.
MPs will also investigate regional access to finance. They may ask for views on the availability of investment outside of London, including angel investors and venture capital, as well as the role of local government in supporting investment.
In the second panel, the committee will focus on access to science infrastructure such as lab space. MPs may discuss regional access to this space, the costs involved, and the roles that the public and private sector could play in supporting regional science and innovation infrastructure.
The importance of supporting infrastructure, such as transport, housing and internet, to the success of innovative businesses and regional growth could also be explored.
Witnesses at 9:45am:
Irene Graham OBE, Chief Executive, Scale up Institute
Duncan Johnson, Chief Executive, Northern Gritstone (Virtual)
Witnesses at 10.35am:
Dr Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer, Bruntwood SciTech
Henri Murison, Director, Northern Powerhouse Partnership
Innovation showcase at 9:30am:
Ahead of the main evidence session, the committee will hear from Protein Data Bank in a short slot as part of its showcase of UK innovators.
Jennifer Fleming, Coordinator, Protein Data Bank in Europe
Further information
About Parliament: Select committees
Visiting Parliament: Watch committees
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