The University of Liverpool is driving the transfer of technology generated from its innovative research - investing in academic founders to create spin-out companies and license novel technologies to create impact for a better world.
As the portfolio goes from strength to strength, with 24 spin-out companies supported in the last six years, we take a closer look at how the University is creating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Liverpool City Region (LCR) and beyond.
Last year, the University leapt into the top 20 of the Octopus Ventures Rankings that measures universities' success at turning their academic achievements into thriving companies. Making our institution the highest-ranked university in the North West region.
The University has identified Enterprise and Entrepreneurship as an area of strategic importance, and increased investment in resources to support an entrepreneurial culture. Our goal is to further increase the number of successful spin-outs established aided by partnerships with Sciontec and Sci-Tech Daresbury. These activities have led to:
- 24 spin-outs supported in the last six years
- £4.9 million in intellectual property (IP) related income to the University (HE-BCI 2022/23)
- £13 million industry, grant and translational funding secured for projects in the pipeline (2022/23)
- 115 jobs created (HE-BCI 2022/23).
The University has committed a total of £5.6 million in Enterprise Investment Funding (EIF) since 2018. This has de-risked technology in the pipeline and leveraged a further £28 million of investment, industry and grant funding into our spin-out companies and the University.
In 22/2023 alone, the University supported seven new spin-out companies built on a foundation of world-class research and development. These new businesses have the potential to deliver significant economic and societal benefits in the next years and decades.
Professor Anthony Hollander, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Impact and Chair of the University's Enterprise Board said: "From climate change to an aging population, the work of our academic experts provides ideas and technologies that will help meet the evolving needs of society. We have come along way but remain ambitious to do even more. Our strategy over the next five years, as we reap the benefits of our investment, is to accelerate the pace of innovation and impact."
Emma Nolan, Head of University of Liverpool Enterprise said: "Our work has never been more vital or timely. The environment in which we operate is evolving, leading to the creation of new opportunities for academic founders. With a strong foundation in place, 2024/25 is set to be a year of accelerated delivery, supporting research-led businesses that can deliver real impact for us all."
Read the most recent Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Annual Report (pdf document), which highlights the achievements, provides case studies of some of the spin-out ventures and outlines the strategy for growth over the next five years.
