The University of Manchester Innovation Factory brought together leading investors, academics and spinout founders to explore exciting new ventures emerging from The University of Manchester, the University of Leeds and The University of Sheffield.
Throughout the two-day event held this month, spinout founders presented their innovative projects across Life Sciences, Science & Engineering and Next-Stage Investment categories. These sessions were followed by lively Q&A discussions, with investors and attendees posing insightful questions about the future potential of these groundbreaking technologies.
Professor Duncan Ivison, President & Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, delivered a keynote speech on the global impact of university spinouts and reinforced the role of research-led innovation in shaping industries worldwide.
He said at the event: "One of the things that distinguishes Manchester globally is the connectivity of the city and its institutions and the ecosystem between business, universities and government in a way that is unique in the world.
"It is the superpower of Manchester. I don't know of any other city in the world in which the connectivity between the main institutions in the city are so deep, so dynamic, and so alive."
Richard Jones, Vice President for Innovation at The University of Manchester, also commended how commercialisation of university research can benefit the wider innovation ecosystem.
Break-out partnering sessions allowed for in-depth discussion and provided invaluable opportunities for spinout teams to meet privately with investors to discuss their commercialisation journeys.
Catherine Headley, CEO at The University of Manchester Innovation Factory said: "The conference truly demonstrated the strength and diversity of spinout companies emerging from Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. The level of investor engagement was remarkable, reflecting the exciting momentum behind innovation across the North of England."
The 2025 Investor Conference reaffirmed the Northern Triangle of Universities' role as a hub fostering cutting-edge innovation collaborations that shape the future of science, technology, and business. It is hoped that fresh partnerships and investments will emerge from the event and that steps will be taken towards real world impact.
