A series of University of Exeter-led projects celebrated the lasting impact they have made on businesses and communities in Cornwall.

Since 2014, the university says its projects have supported more than 900 businesses by providing access to grants, business development resources and funding for innovative technologies.

This support enabled the delivery of the world’s first energy independent farm at Saltash, drove innovations in Cornwall’s marine technology and renewable energy sectors, and helped hundreds of businesses to reduce their waste and adopt carbon-neutral business models.

Chris Evans, director of innovation, impact and business at the university, said: “The impact these projects have made on Cornwall’s economy, community and innovation ecosystem shows what is possible when universities and businesses work together in partnership. 

“I would like to congratulate our project teams – and the many partners and businesses they have worked with over the past few years – for their impressive achievements.”

Mark Duddridge, chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Investment from the EU has supported the regeneration of our economy and, through these projects and the partnerships they have created, left a lasting legacy that will underpin future investments in Cornwall.”

The Marine-i programme has driven forward marine technology in Cornwall, with £13.4m investment funding 85 marine projects and supporting 197 businesses with research and development.

Among them is Angela Mead, founder and managing director of Biome Algae, who received Marine-i support to scale up her company, which specialises in farming and processing seaweed for use as a plastic substitute. 

She said: “To be able to de-risk what could have been an expensive and challenging project was invaluable.” 

The Tevi initiative helped more than 300 SMEs across Cornwall to become more resource efficient and minimise waste, through master classes and grant funding.

One such company is Bennamann, who helped to create the first energy independent farm at Saltash. 

Their technology captures harmful methane emissions from manure slurry and converts them into biomethane, thereby reducing farmers’ energy and fertiliser bills. 

Speaking at the event, Bennamann’s chief executive Dr Chris Mann said: “This technology will deliver huge impact to Cornwall by reducing harmful methane gases and providing farmers with a future clean energy source.”

The six-year Smartline project explored how digital technologies can support local residents’ health and well-being by improving housing and social connections, delivered in partnership with Coastline Housing Association, Cornwall Council, Volunteer Cornwall and the University of Exeter.

The projects were supported by funding from European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), alongside match-funding from the University of Exeter.