In a year marked by economic uncertainty, rapid technological change and growing expectations on universities to drive growth and impact, the University of Manchester Innovation Factory has remained focused on a clear purpose: turning world-class research into real-world impact.
The Innovation Factory’s Annual Review 2024/25 captures a year of disciplined ambition and steady progress. Over the past 12 months, the team, which supports University of Manchester academics, students and researchers to commercialise their innovations, has worked with more than 100 active UoM-originating spinout companies, launched five new spinouts and helped portfolio businesses secure significant in investment. Behind these figures sits a broader story about the role of universities in shaping the UK’s future innovation economy, and the Innovation Factory’s position as a nationally leading technology transfer office, translating world-class research into investable, high-impact ventures.
From clean energy and advanced materials to life sciences, digital technologies and creative innovation, the report highlights how research-led businesses emerging from Manchester are addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing society. It also reflects the importance of collaboration, whether through partnerships such as the Northern Triangle Talent Project.
As governments, investors and institutions look increasingly to universities as engines of productivity and regional growth, this year’s Review offers a snapshot of how the Innovation Factory is responding, with innovation that is purposeful, investable and rooted in public benefit.
Find out more about our achievements from the 2024-25 year in our Annual Review.
