University青瓜视频檚 Innovation Academy celebrates growing pool of entrepreneurial talent
Over 100 student and staff entrepreneurs from across all three university faculties attended the most recent event in support of their inventive ideas. The crowd of innovators were joined by 15 external business experts who were on hand to offer guidance and advice as these talented and driven entrepreneurs navigate the journey from concept to societal and commercial growth.
The University of Manchester is home to a rapidly growing talent pool of entrepreneurs and start-up companies transforming ideas in to real-world impact thanks to the University青瓜视频檚 innovation ecosystem on offer. Last week The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 Innovation Academy held its third Founders Network Dinner (Tuesday 28 Jan), in the Manchester Museum.
The academy is a pan University initiative and joint venture between the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team, The University of Manchester Innovation Factory and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre. It brings together knowledge, expertise and routes to facilitate the commercialisation of your research.
Professor Aline Miller, Director of the Innovation Academy and Chief Scientific Officer at , said: 青瓜视频淚t青瓜视频檚 incredible to see our Innovation Academy Founders Network flourishing. Each event has grown significantly, reinforcing how The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 innovator community is beginning to thrive. With initiatives like Unit M, we have the opportunity to extend our impact beyond the University, embedding ourselves within the wider regional ecosystem.青瓜视频�
The evening was opened by Vice-Chancellor for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, Professor Richard Jones, who shared his thoughts about embedding innovation squarely within the University 2035 Strategy, and the importance of generating tangible impact from our research to solve global challenges and deliver an innovation driven economy.
It青瓜视频檚 incredible to see our Innovation Academy Founders Network flourishing. Each event has grown significantly, reinforcing how The University of Manchester青瓜视频檚 innovator community is beginning to thrive. With initiatives like Unit M, we have the opportunity to extend our impact beyond the University, embedding ourselves within the wider regional ecosystem.
A highlight of the night was a series of one-minute elevator pitches from nine inspiring entrepreneurs, each at different stages of their journey. These ranged from early-stage proof-of-concept ideas to businesses securing significant funding, such as those winning the Eli Harari Award and raising over 青瓜视频9 million in seed funding. The ventures spanned diverse industries, including healthcare, technology, and sustainability:
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In attendance was Professor Lou Cordwell, CEO of , who introduced this University of Manchester flagship initiative, highlighting its potential to revolutionise the regional innovation ecosystem. She described how Unit M will act as a bridge between university-born innovation and the wider economy, fostering inclusivity and long-term growth.
The Innovation Academy青瓜视频檚 Founders Network is a growing community of technology, creative, and social start-up and spin-out founders, providing a supportive platform for sharing experiences and fostering peer-to-peer learning. Since its launch in June 2024, attendance at the dinners has grown from 40 to 110 - highlighting the growing momentum behind entrepreneurial activity.
The Innovation Academy, a collaboration between the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Team, the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, and the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, aims to inspire and accelerate enterprise across campus.
Any student or staff member with an interest in entrepreneurship is encouraged to join this vibrant network. To get involved, contact Kelly Burnham at Innovation.Academy@manchester.ac.uk.
To find out more about Manchester青瓜视频檚 pioneering spirit through the ages and current and future landscapes for innovation, the economy and commercialisation, listen to Aline and Professor of Materials Physics and Innovation Policy and Vice-President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement, Richard Jones on their Talk 200 podcast, Talking Innovation: It青瓜视频檚 in Manchester青瓜视频檚 DNA.
Photo credit - Enna Bartlett