Estelle Blanks

Estelle Blanks has over 25 years’ experience in economic development, regeneration, and innovation across the North East of England, as well as extensive experience working across the UK and Europe. She has a deep understanding of both the national and local innovation ecosystems and is passionate about driving sustainable and inclusive innovation.

A champion of partnership and collaboration, Estelle works to unlock opportunities that deliver meaningful economic and social impact. She is a strong advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion and has been recognised on the Northern Power Women list as one of the most influential women in the region.

Throughout her career, Estelle has attracted and led multi-million-pound, high-profile programmes in the North East to support emerging and growing innovative companies. She brings in-depth, practical expertise in open innovation to address organisational and societal challenges, alongside specialist knowledge in access to innovation finance.

Estelle currently serves as a member of the CBI Innovation and Technology Board, a Non-Executive Director at Nexus, and a Board Member of both Lifted Ventures and Women North East Connected.