The University of Manchester Innovation Factory will showcase some of the University’s most exciting commercialisation opportunities and share the experiences behind building a successful spinout as part of Innovation Festival 2026, taking place across the University from 5 to 9 October.
Manchester to Market
On Wednesday 7 October, Manchester to Market will bring together researchers, founders, PhD students and commercialisation specialists for an informal, expo-style event exploring the routes that can take University research from discovery towards real-world application.
Taking place from 9.30am to 1pm, the event will showcase emerging spinouts, late-stage technologies and licensing opportunities from across the University, with interactive stations giving researchers and founders the opportunity to bring their innovations to life.
A dedicated learning zone and Innovation Factory breakout space will provide opportunities for one-to-one conversations with our team, practical information about the commercialisation process and guidance for academics interested in exploring the potential of their own research.
Hear the story behind a University spinout
The Innovation Factory will also host a special live edition of its Founder Playbook podcast on Thursday 8 October, giving audiences the opportunity to hear first-hand about the journey of University of Manchester spinout Holiferm.
Taking place at Manchester Museum from 5pm to 7pm, The Founder Playbook will feature James Winterburn, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Holiferm, and Charlie Dimmler, the company’s CEO.
Founded in 2018 following research at The University of Manchester, Holiferm has developed into a commercial-scale industrial biotechnology company producing sustainable biosurfactants as alternatives to conventional petrochemical-based products. The live conversation will explore the company’s journey from University research through spinout creation, investment, manufacturing scale-up and international growth.
The session forms part of Founder Playbook, the Innovation Factory’s podcast series exploring the realities of founding and scaling innovative businesses through conversations with experienced founders and business leaders.
Join us at Innovation Festival 2026
The University’s inaugural Innovation Festival brings together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, partners and investors for a week of events exploring how ideas, collaboration and innovation can create real-world impact.
Manchester to Market Wednesday 7 October, 9.30am–1pm Free to attend. Registration is encouraged but visitors are also welcome to drop in. Find out more and register for Manchester to Market
The Founders’ Playbook: Holiferm Thursday 8 October, 5–7pm Manchester Museum Free to attend. Find out more and register for The Founders’ Playbook
