Local Government Accelerator Programme
We run the UK’s first local government accelerator programme, designed to bring market-ready solutions into public services, test them in real-world settings, and scale what works.
The programme exists to solve a common challenge in the public sector: how to move from promising ideas to practical, deliverable change.
It creates a structured, practical route for local authorities to explore new approaches safely and to build the evidence needed to make confident decisions and for innovators to test solutions in live public service settings.
How it works
We bring together local authorities, academia, SMEs and industry to work on clearly defined challenges. Participants can test their ideas in a supportive, real-world environment.
Solutions are then:
• Tested in live environments
• Supported through structured delivery
• Monitored and evaluated to understand impact
This approach ensures that learning happens early, risk is managed throughout, and decisions are based on evidence.
Because it is delivered from within local government, the programme is grounded in how services actually operate, while bringing in external expertise and innovation.
Outcomes
Since 2025 we have run two accelerator programmes, focusing on business innovation and proportionate care.
Accelerator call 1
"Innovative Business Solutions" - Closed to new applicants
ITT available on Proactis: https://sebp.due-north.com
Reference: DN775676