What and Who Is
KQ
Liverpool?
About Us
About Us
The Knowledge Quarter is Liverpool’s Innovation District
Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter covers more than half of the city centre and brings together world-class universities, hospitals, and over 400 businesses across sectors such as science, healthcare, technology, and culture.
It’s home to historic institutions such as the Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Liverpool and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, as well as cutting-edge facilities like the Materials Innovation Factory and the Digital Innovation Facility.
What is an innovation District?
An innovation district is a distinct area within a city where a concentration of universities, hospitals, research institutions, and businesses come together to drive creativity, research, and the development of new ideas, products, and technologies.
These districts are designed to foster collaboration and spark new inventions by bringing together people from a variety of sectors, such as health, life sciences, creative industries, and digital technology, all within a defined geographic space. Innovation districts are characterised by their vibrant mix of organisations, opportunities for career growth, and a culture of imagination and opportunity.
Meet The Team
KQ Liverpool’s focus on collaboration, sustainability, and inclusivity makes it a dynamic place to study, work, and innovate, helping to shape the city’s future and economy.
Colin Sinclair
CEO
Emily Robson
Assistant CEO
Claire Kidman
Head of Partnerships
Rachel Newman
Inclusive Innovation Officer
Codi Ellis
Skills Project Coordinator
Trish Wallace
Strategic Projects and People Manager
Sally Bloor
Head of Marketing
Elizabeth Farrington
Senior Marketing Manager
Martin Jones
Digital Marketing Executive
Board Members
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Bruntwood SciTech
Subscribing Member
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Liverpool City Council
Subscribing Member
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Liverpool John Moores University
Subscribing Member
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Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Subscribing Member
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University of Liverpool
Subscribing Member
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NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group
Subscribing Member
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Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Observing Member
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Fabric District
Observing Member
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Hope Street CIC
Observing Member
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Royal College of Physicians
Observing Member
Our Mission
To deliver inclusive growth in KQ Liverpool and across the City Region, through partnership, collaboration, and innovation; continuing to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.
How we got here
2016
In 2016, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) was founded, launching a bold vision for the city. That year saw the successful bid for the Royal College of Physicians Northern HQ and the launch of kqliverpool.co.uk, setting a foundation for future growth and collaboration.
2017
2017 marked the launch of KQ Liverpool's 'In the Know' event series and the beginning of major works at Paddington Village. The year also saw the release of the Spatial Masterplan and the opening of Sensor City — a new hub for digital innovation.
2018
In 2018, The Spine broke ground in Paddington Village. KQ Liverpool joined the UK Innovation Districts Group and celebrated the opening of the Materials Innovation Factory and Accelerator, cementing its place in the national innovation landscape.
2019
In 2019, KQ Liverpool saw the spin-out of Sciontec, its commercial development arm. The year welcomed the iiCON Infection Innovation Consortium and the arrival of the Manufacturing Technology Centre, bringing more innovation to Liverpool Science Park.
2020
In 2020, KQ Liverpool launched its '2025 Vision'. It began work on The Pandemic Institute and welcomed iiCON (the Infection Innovation Consortium) and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. That same year, Bruntwood SciTech invested in Sciontec to support future development.
2021
In 2021, KQ Liverpool launched its 'KQ Base' and 'KQ Grow' services to support business growth. The Centre for Process Innovation joined Liverpool Science Park, and The Spine Building opened as a major new addition to Paddington Village.
2022
In 2022, the 'Sixth Form Into Science' pilot launched, alongside the debut of 'KQ Culture'. The new Royal Liverpool University Hospital opened, the Digital Innovation Facility was completed, and The Pandemic Institute moved into The Spine.
2023
2023 saw the launch of KQ Startup and the rebrand of the 'Sixth Form Into Science' pilot to the now-established Future Innovators Programme. Major partners LJMU and LSTM marked anniversaries, and the University of Liverpool released its 2031 strategy.
2024
The year 2024 saw the LCR Life Sciences Innovation Zone launch, and HEMISPHERE One & Two revealed. KQ Futures was announced with funding confirmed, while KQ joined the Global Institute on Innovation Districts. The 'Animates' childrens book was also launched.
2025
In 2025, KQ Liverpool launched KQ 2040: Our Blueprint for Growth, setting a bold direction for the future. The year also saw the introduction of a new CPD programme for teachers and school leaders, and Liverpool became a finalist for Europoean Capital of Innovation 2026.
