Two University of Manchester spinouts have been recognised with major awards at this year’s Bionow Awards, with a further University project shortlisted in the Rising Star category. The awards celebrate excellence across the UK life sciences sector and recognise organisations and individuals driving innovation in healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
Product of the Year – KOKU Health
University of Manchester spinout KOKU Health won Product of the Year for its digital health platform designed to help older adults maintain strength, balance and independence.
KOKU (Keep-On-Keep-Up) is an evidence-based, gamified digital programme that supports older adults to improve strength and balance through personalised exercises and health education. Developed by Professor Emma Stanmore and colleagues at The University of Manchester, the platform is designed to help reduce falls and support healthy ageing while enabling people to remain active and independent at home.
The award recognises the growing impact of the technology in supporting preventative healthcare and improving quality of life for ageing populations.
Technical Service Award – Spotlight Pathology
Another University of Manchester spinout, Spotlight Pathology, received the Technical Service Award for its innovative work in digital pathology.
Founded by Dr Martin Fergie and Professor Richard Byers, Spotlight Pathology develops artificial intelligence tools designed to support pathologists in diagnosing blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia. The technology uses advanced computer vision and image analysis to help clinicians analyse biopsy samples more efficiently and accurately, helping address the global shortage of specialist pathologists and speeding up diagnosis for patients. By streamlining diagnostic workflows and improving the objectivity of analysis, the company aims to support faster treatment decisions and better outcomes for patients.
Rising Star – Dr Maria Giovanna Lizio
Dr Maria Giovanna Lizio was also shortlisted in the Rising Star category. Maria is working on a project focused on accelerating cancer detection through advanced biophotonics and spectroscopic technologies. The project aims to develop new approaches to identify cancer earlier and improve diagnostic precision.
Maria was pictured at the awards with Ewelina Rozycka-Burn, Head of Commercial Development at University of Manchester Innovation Factory, and her husband Peter Ahern.
Ewelina Rozycka-Burn, Head of Commercial Development at University of Manchester Innovation Factory, Dr Maria Giovanna Lizio and her husband Peter Ahern
Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees recognised at this year’s Bionow Awards, which showcased the ambition, technical leadership and innovation driving the UK’s life sciences community.
