Research to Reality, an eight-week commercialisation programme, funded through the UKRI Impact Acceleration Account and created to help University of Manchester researchers explore the real-world potential of their work, successfully concluded its first tranche in December 2025. Following strong demand and positive feedback from participants, the programme will return in spring 2026, building on the momentum generated by its initial delivery.
The programme was delivered in partnership between the University of Manchester Innovation Factory and commercialisation specialists FIS360 with support from the University of Manchester’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team. Together, the programme was delivered to researchers to develop the skills, confidence and understanding needed to translate research into real-world impact.
Delivered between 8 October and 3 December 2025 at the University’s Core Technology Facility, the programme brought together a cohort of academic innovators from across the University. Participants took part in weekly, in-person workshops and one-to-one mentoring, culminating in a final showcase where they pitched their commercial opportunity to a group of experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
Research to Reality supports researchers at an early stage of their commercialisation journey, whether they are exploring entrepreneurship for the first time, considering a future spinout, or seeking to develop innovation and enterprise skills alongside their academic work. Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in nine interactive workshops covering topics including business fundamentals, developing a value proposition, intellectual property, funding routes, financial projections, spinout formation and people-centred innovation.
Dr Frank Allison, CEO of FIS360, said: “Research to Reality is about meeting researchers where they are and giving them the confidence, language and practical tools to explore what their work could become beyond the lab. Working alongside the Innovation Factory and the University’s Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team, we focused on helping participants think commercially while maintaining the integrity of their research, so they are better equipped to make informed decisions about impact, collaboration and next steps.”
Dr Catherine Headley, CEO of the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, said: “Supporting researchers early in their commercialisation journey is critical if we want world-leading research to deliver meaningful impact. Research to Reality allows us to work closely with academics at the point where ideas are forming, building the skills, understanding and confidence needed to translate research into real-world solutions. The success of this first tranche has reinforced the value of providing structured, practical support at an early stage, and we are pleased to be continuing the programme in 2026.”
Dr Louise Bates, Director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange, said: “This collaboration between BEKE and the Innovation Factory is a vital step in empowering our research community at The University of Manchester. By helping researchers explore the commercial potential of their work and develop the skills needed to deliver real-world impact, we are ensuring that groundbreaking ideas don’t just stay in the University – they make a difference in society.”
Participants also highlighted the value of progressing through the programme as a cohort, working through shared challenges and learning alongside peers from different disciplines.
Dr Oznur Apsimon, programme participant, said: “It was amazing. The delivery was excellent and engaging, hours went by quickly. Content was rich with many real-life examples. It was very refreshing and completely different knowledge than I engage in my research life. I can easily say, this was the best learning experience I went through.”
Professor Andrew Weightman, who also participated in the programme, added: “This was a fantastic learning opportunity. Great discussion-based learning. Wonderful delivery team and a great opportunity to network with colleagues.”
Following the successful completion of the 2025 programme, the Innovation Factory, FIS360 and the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team are now recruiting researchers at the earliest stage of their commercialisation journey for the next cohort starting in March 2026.
By combining expert-led workshops, tailored mentoring and a supportive peer cohort, Research to Reality equips researchers with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to make informed decisions about the future of their innovations. The programme reflects a shared commitment from all partners to working with innovators early in the commercialisation process, ensuring that world-class research translates into meaningful economic and societal benefit.
