On Tuesday 23rd September, we had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, to the University of Manchester Innovation Factory.
The visit was a chance to reflect on how our work contributes to Manchester 2035 – the University’s vision for the next decade – and to explore how innovation and commercialisation can help turn world-class research into lasting impact.
Prof. Duncan Ivison outlines the Manchester 2035 strategy, and we discuss our contributions
Encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset
One of the central aims of Manchester 2035 is to accelerate the path from research excellence to impact. At the Innovation Factory, this means helping academics to think entrepreneurially – not just about discovery, but about application. With the right support, ideas move from the lab to the marketplace, where they can address real-world challenges and improve lives.
Building a stronger pipeline of innovators
Future impact depends on investing in people. From early career researchers to experienced academics, we want to make sure that everyone with an idea feels able to explore its potential. This pipeline of innovators should also reflect the University’s values around inclusivity and diversity, bringing a wide range of voices and perspectives into the innovation journey.
Philanthropy has always been central to Manchester’s tradition of driving social progress. At the Innovation Factory, we were proud to play a key role in the Ideas With Impact programme, which channelled vital philanthropic funding into early-stage projects and gave many promising ideas the chance to take root.
Today, philanthropy continues to be essential for supporting bold, high-risk innovations that may not yet attract commercial investment, but have the potential to create significant societal benefit. By contributing to the University’s new philanthropy programme, we can help open up fresh streams of support that enable pioneering research to move forward – unlocking opportunities for research commercialisation while ensuring that social impact remains at the heart of our mission.
Collaborating across the Manchester ecosystem
Manchester 2035 is rooted in place – committed to Manchester as much as to the wider world. Innovation thrives when ecosystems work together, so we will continue to collaborate with local government, investors, accelerators, businesses and communities across the city region. This collaboration allows us to tackle shared challenges in health, sustainability, and social equity while attracting talent and investment to the city.
Founders at the heart of our community
Every technology, spinout and idea we support begins with its founder. Our academic and student innovators are not just originators of intellectual property – they are a central part of the Innovation Factory community. We were delighted that several of our founders joined us on the day. Their presence underlined the vital role founders play in shaping and driving our collective success.
We work extremely closely with our founders, providing mentoring, business planning and access to networks of investors and partners. Their insight and ambition drive the journey from research to impact, and their continued involvement ensures that each venture stays true to its original purpose while gaining the support it needs to thrive.
Delivering high-quality spinouts and licences
Ultimately, success comes down to outcomes. We measure our progress through the spinouts and licences that emerge from University research, but our focus is on quality as much as quantity. We aim to support ventures that not only generate income but also deliver genuine benefits – from advancing healthcare to driving sustainable solutions and improving everyday lives.
Balancing income with impact
A sustainable financial base is essential to support a world-class university. But as our discussion highlighted, income is not the only goal. Innovation must also drive social growth, create opportunity and bring tangible, positive change. Striking this balance is at the heart of both Manchester 2035 and the Innovation Factory’s mission.
As the Manchester 2035 strategy takes shape, we are proud to play our part in shaping a decade of growth and impact – through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to making a difference.
