Nesta
@nestauk.bsky.social
We are Nesta, the research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions across the innovation lifecycle. http://nesta.org.uk/newsletter
Many organisations hesitated when AI tools first appeared.
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
Hackathon to habit: Embedding AI at Nesta and BIT | BIT
Research suggests AI could boost the UK economy by up to £400 billion by 2030. You may be sceptical of such grand promises, but this much is certain: any economic gains from AI will depend on widespre...
bit.ly
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Many organisations hesitated when AI tools first appeared.
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
At Nesta and BIT, we leaned in – and now 9 in 10 of our staff use AI weekly.
A new blog by @bitglobal.bsky.social shares four 4 lessons that helped us move from curiosity to deep adoption, experimenting and embedding AI across teams ⤵️
Reposted by Nesta
How should we pay for heat pumps in future? What are the best ways to offer zero upfront cost, along with lower bills?
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
Paying for heat pumps
Exploring how innovative business and finance models could enable consumers to install a heat pump for zero or boiler-parity upfront cost
www.nesta.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 12:07 PM
How should we pay for heat pumps in future? What are the best ways to offer zero upfront cost, along with lower bills?
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
We've got a @nestauk.bsky.social project looking at this at the moment, very interested in any perspectives on this
www.nesta.org.uk/project/payi...
Our latest report estimates that health targets for large, out-of-home food businesses could improve the nation’s health - reducing obesity by around 2.5% over 3 years. But key policy development questions remain.
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
November 12, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Our latest report estimates that health targets for large, out-of-home food businesses could improve the nation’s health - reducing obesity by around 2.5% over 3 years. But key policy development questions remain.
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
Nesta's John Barber walks through five key insights from the report in a new blog ⤵️
As proud supporters of Figurative, we're delighted to see that the Arts & Culture Impact Fund has been extended until August 2027 with an extra £10 million - helping arts, culture, and heritage organisations design and scale solutions for real-world impact.
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
The investment period for our Arts & Culture Impact Fund (ACIF) has been extended until 2027!
Read more figurative.org.uk/news/major-i...
Thanks to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Better Society Capital, Nesta, @esmeefairbairn.bsky.social & Freelands Foundation.
Read more figurative.org.uk/news/major-i...
Thanks to @artscouncilengland.bsky.social, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Better Society Capital, Nesta, @esmeefairbairn.bsky.social & Freelands Foundation.
Major impact investment fund for cultural and creative sector is extended for two years - Figurative
Figurative has announced that the investment period for its Arts & Culture Impact Fund (ACIF) has been extended until August 2027.
figurative.org.uk
November 12, 2025 at 9:40 AM
As proud supporters of Figurative, we're delighted to see that the Arts & Culture Impact Fund has been extended until August 2027 with an extra £10 million - helping arts, culture, and heritage organisations design and scale solutions for real-world impact.
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
Read more about the fund below ⤵️
Obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years. This stems from our food environment: the food that’s available, affordable and promoted to us.
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
Targeting the health of the nation: health targets for the out-of-home food sector
An exploration of how health targets could be applied to the out-of-home sector
www.nesta.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years. This stems from our food environment: the food that’s available, affordable and promoted to us.
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
In our latest report, we look at how health targets for large out-of-home food businesses could help to improve health. ⤵️
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
November 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Technological progress is often equated with shiny gadgets: rockets, robots and AI.
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
www.nesta.org.uk
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Technological progress is often equated with shiny gadgets: rockets, robots and AI.
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
But many of history’s most important innovations have been 'boring', and that has big implications for those working on innovation for social good.
Nesta's Laurie Smith explores how dull can change the world:
Reposted by Nesta
The Treasury is widely reported to be considering cutting energy bills, perhaps via a VAT cut. What's the best way to do this?
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
Tax-free electricity
A proposal to remove most taxes on electricity to reduce bills and promote clean heating
www.nesta.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The Treasury is widely reported to be considering cutting energy bills, perhaps via a VAT cut. What's the best way to do this?
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
We think the answer is to remove the taxes from electricity bills. Here is Nesta's proposal out for Tax-free Electricity:
@nestauk.bsky.social
Our aim is for every child to have a fair start in life.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
How does parenting impact children's development?
What forms of support are most helpful in enabling caregivers to be their best? Nesta explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Our aim is for every child to have a fair start in life.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
A substantial body of research highlights that parenting plays a powerful role in supporting children’s early learning and development.
Our article explores research on effective parenting 'types' and how to improve children's development.
The UK government has promised to make energy bills cheaper - and a VAT cut for energy bills could be on the table. But is removing VAT the best way to cut energy bills?
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
www.nesta.org.uk
November 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
The UK government has promised to make energy bills cheaper - and a VAT cut for energy bills could be on the table. But is removing VAT the best way to cut energy bills?
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
Our new blog looks at the effective, sustainable and fair options that could make energy bills cheaper ⤵️ https://bit.ly/42ElFDV
If the UK is serious about net zero, we have to fix our green levies. Our explainer shows the current system charges 16% on your electricity bill but only 5.5% on gas, making electricity more expensive and discouraging people from adopting low-carbon heating.
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Household energy bills include green levies. What are they and why do we need to pay them?
When energy providers set tariffs for gas and electricity, the price includes a range of costs.
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 9:00 AM
If the UK is serious about net zero, we have to fix our green levies. Our explainer shows the current system charges 16% on your electricity bill but only 5.5% on gas, making electricity more expensive and discouraging people from adopting low-carbon heating.
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Learn why this system needs to change ⤵️
Last month we hosted Policy Live 2025, bringing together fresh perspectives and exploring solutions to the UK's biggest social challenges.
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
October 29, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Last month we hosted Policy Live 2025, bringing together fresh perspectives and exploring solutions to the UK's biggest social challenges.
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
Here's our keynote Rt Hon Wes Streeting on why the UK should do policy differently ⤵️
👉 Watch back a selection of sessions: https://lnkd.in/mwncu
How can data improve early years services and help every child reach their potential?
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
October 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM
How can data improve early years services and help every child reach their potential?
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
Join Nesta + Born in Bradford on 19 Nov for a full day event to explore new ways to use data in early years support.
📍Bradford | Register: https://bit.ly/3JfxpXc
Electricity is 4.2x more expensive than gas - caused by levies that should fund the green transition instead of taxing clean power. This unfair system is slowing the switch to heat pumps and driving up bills for the most vulnerable.
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Affordability, energy prices and paying for clean heat
By reforming electricity levies and increasing renewable generation, we can decouple electricity from gas prices, reduce bills, and overcome upfront costs - making heat pumps a viable solution for mor...
www.nesta.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Electricity is 4.2x more expensive than gas - caused by levies that should fund the green transition instead of taxing clean power. This unfair system is slowing the switch to heat pumps and driving up bills for the most vulnerable.
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Read why we think levy reform can reduce the cost of clean heat ⤵️
Reposted by Nesta
We're officially on Bluesky! 🥳
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
Innovation Growth Lab
Learn more about us IGL aims to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data and evidence. To do so, we bring together policymakers…
www.innovationgrowthlab.org
October 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM
We're officially on Bluesky! 🥳
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
The Innovation Growth Lab (IGL)'s purpose is to increase the impact of innovation and productivity policies through novel ideas, experimentation, data, and evidence.
Learn more about IGL: www.innovationgrowthlab.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: shorturl.at/Jxd9q
Reposted by Nesta
This is still at an early stage, of course, but it shows promise that remotely operated heat pumps could be part of a consumer-friendly, bill-saving service.
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
The future of heat
How to drive decarbonisation with innovative tariffs and automated flexibility
www.nesta.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 1:25 PM
This is still at an early stage, of course, but it shows promise that remotely operated heat pumps could be part of a consumer-friendly, bill-saving service.
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
Big credit to @nestauk.bsky.social colleagues Max Woollard and Oli Berry, plus the team at OVO for their work on this!
Reposted by Nesta
Do you want to directly influence how the European Commission supports policymakers to try new ideas?
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
PACoP survey - final version
eu.mar.medallia.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Do you want to directly influence how the European Commission supports policymakers to try new ideas?
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
Help the European Commission understand how policymakers try new ideas in R&I policy by completing a 10-minute survey and see how your views compare to others.
📝: shorturl.at/VZQ5V
We used AI to scan thousands of signals in low-carbon heating.
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
Mission Radar: emerging trends and signals in affordable low-carbon heating
Innovations to improve the affordability of low-carbon heating
www.nesta.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 8:00 AM
We used AI to scan thousands of signals in low-carbon heating.
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
The clear message? The move to make heat pumps affordable and accessible is officially underway.
Take a look at emerging trends we've identified in venture and research funding, parliamentary discourse and business trends ⤵️
A clear plan is needed to fix the UK's slow progress on heat decarbonisation.
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
Delivering clean heat: a policy plan
Nesta sets out a comprehensive view of what the new Government should do to decarbonise homes and the choices it faces
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 11:11 AM
A clear plan is needed to fix the UK's slow progress on heat decarbonisation.
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
We've laid out a credible, evidence-led policy roadmap for the UK government to eliminate nearly a fifth of UK emissions and end fuel poverty.
Full plan here ⤵️
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
October 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM
🇯🇵 What can we learn from Japan on healthy ageing?
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Join us on 26 Nov for a breakfast event to learn about Japan's innovative policy response to an ageing population - and how learnings can be applied in the UK in the face of demographic shifts.
📍 London / online
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/42MIQfA
Reposted by Nesta
Happy to share my first piece of analysis work with the Discovery team at @nestauk.bsky.social on 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿!
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
October 20, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Happy to share my first piece of analysis work with the Discovery team at @nestauk.bsky.social on 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿!
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
The Mission Radar is a briefing series on innovation signals and emerging trends in Nesta’s missions. We use AI to scan for innovation across business, academia and policy. (1/7)
Decades of research show that early childhood experiences shape lifelong outcomes - and parenting plays a crucial role.
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
October 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Decades of research show that early childhood experiences shape lifelong outcomes - and parenting plays a crucial role.
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
Our new explainer explores what 'types' of parenting most support children’s development and the interventions and community support help children thrive: https://bit.ly/3KQVFPT
Reposted by Nesta
Heating engineers: With @nestauk.bsky.social's Start At Home initiative, you can get up to £7,500 funding towards a heat pump to install in your own home.
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
Start at Home
www.startathome.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Heating engineers: With @nestauk.bsky.social's Start At Home initiative, you can get up to £7,500 funding towards a heat pump to install in your own home.
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
Find a scheme and claim your heat pump here: www.startathome.org.uk
This month, we hit the road for the 2025 party conferences 🎙️
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
October 16, 2025 at 8:00 AM
This month, we hit the road for the 2025 party conferences 🎙️
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
From decarbonising homes to tackling inequalities, our conversations focused on what works - and how policy can make it happen. Here's the big highlights from our policy team ⤵️
🎥 Watch back our panel events: https://bit.ly/472wYqY
How can museums help support early-years learning and development?
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️
Mini Wonders: unlocking the social value of museums for families
Working with museum partners and early-years professionals to develop and enhance the programme for caregivers and children
www.nesta.org.uk
October 13, 2025 at 8:00 AM
How can museums help support early-years learning and development?
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️
We're exploring this with our Mini Wonders programme, a collaboration with Art Fund and 15 museums - blending museum adventures with evidence-based parenting strategies ⤵️