Evaluation of the Kultra coaching app to remove barriers and facilitate inclusive innovation

The University of Manchester has embarked on an innovative journey with the UKRI Impact Acceleration Account (IAA), a funding initiative supported by grants from six research councils.

With a generous allocation of £5.6 million spanning 2022 to 2025, the UKRI IAA is strategically designed to cater to the unique needs of the university and its community, emphasising the celebration and cultivation of innovation.

At the heart of this initiative is the Inclusive Innovation Network (IIN), a key component committed to facilitating inclusivity in purpose and approach. The IIN seeks to break down barriers by promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the innovation landscape. Through cohort-based learning, sharing best practices, and encouraging collaborations, the IIN aims to amplify the representation of underrepresented groups.

Recognising pressing challenges, such as a lack of diversity in applicants to undertake innovation projects and a need for greater priority on EDI matters, the UKRI's IAA is dedicated to reducing barriers that hinder equal participation in innovation activities. To address these issues, the University of Manchester has partnered with KultraLab, a leading coach tech start-up, to initiate a knowledge partnership. Together, they are piloting a behavioural intervention concerned with unlocking the potential of staff from underrepresented backgrounds. The goal is to facilitate their participation in various innovation activities, such as contract research, collaborative projects, and knowledge exchange initiatives. Through this partnership, they aim to instigate transformative change and create an inclusive innovation environment within the university.

Project team

Prof. Adam Danquah (Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health)
Dr. Tracy Epton (Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health)
Kelly Pickard-Smith (Faculty of Humanities)