The University of Manchester has been recognised as one of the best universities in England for intellectual property (IP) and commercialisation performance in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) results.
The results highlight the outstanding contribution of the University’s wholly owned subsidiary, the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, which has once again achieved the highest possible rating in IP and Commercialisation. This reflects the Innovation Factory’s strong performance across licensing, IP income, investment, and the turnover of its portfolio of spinout companies.
As the University’s dedicated technology transfer office (TTO), the Innovation Factory is responsible for identifying, protecting, and commercialising innovations created by academics and researchers across the institution. Its role is to ensure that pioneering discoveries and new technologies developed at the University are translated into real-world applications through licensing agreements and the creation of new spinout companies.
Working in close partnership with University researchers, the Innovation Factory provides a comprehensive range of support, from assessing the commercial potential of research outputs, to securing intellectual property protection, developing business strategies, connecting inventors with investors, and building management teams for new ventures. This end-to-end support enables academic ideas to be transformed into successful businesses that create jobs, attract investment, and deliver benefits to society.
Dr Catherine Headley, CEO of the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, said: “We are proud to see the Innovation Factory’s performance recognised in the Knowledge Exchange Framework. These results demonstrate the scale and quality of innovation at Manchester, and the ability of our academics to translate their ideas into world-leading businesses. Our role as the University’s technology transfer office is to ensure that research is given the best possible chance to deliver impact, whether that is through licensing to established companies or the creation of new spinout ventures.
“The University of Manchester has a long tradition of innovation, and we are committed to continuing that legacy by supporting our researchers to transform knowledge into solutions that address some of society’s most pressing challenges.”
For a full overview of The University of Manchester’s performance in the latest KEF results, including insights into the University’s wider knowledge exchange activities, partnerships and impact across the UK, please click here.
