Estelle Blanks

Executive Director, Innovation SuperNetwork

With over 20 years’ experience in economic development through regeneration and innovation in the North East of England and working across the UK and in Europe, Estelle has a thorough understanding of the national and local innovation eco-system, has influenced innovation programmes and attracted funding to support early stage and growing companies. Since November 2017, Estelle has led the successful Women in Innovation programme aimed to support business growth by addressing barriers linked to unconscious bias and lack of diversity. Prior to joining, the Innovation SuperNetwork, Estelle was the Deputy Director of Newcastle Science City working on large scale programmes aimed to develop high-growth companies. Estelle also ran transnational projects aimed at training European incubators in supporting innovative companies and authored a number of research articles and work programmes on high-growth business coaching.