IP Beyond Music – Celebrating Creativity and Protecting Innovation for World IP Day

From 3D sound to dementia care – the highlights from an event exploring how IP helps scale and safeguard creative ideas

How the University of Manchester Turns Research into Real-World Impact

Duncan Ivison, President and VC of the University of Manchester, on How the University of Manchester Turns Research into Real-World Impact with the Innovation Factory

University of Manchester Ranks in Top Five UK Universities for Spinout Generation

The University of Manchester has achieved a notable fourth-place ranking among UK academic institutions for generating spinout companies, according to the Spotlight on Spinouts 2025 report by the Royal Academy of Engineering and Beauhurst.

Dr Catherine Headley Appointed as New CEO

Dr Catherine Headley has been appointed as the Innovation Factory's new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Catherine succeeds Andy Wilkinson, who played a pivotal role in transforming UoMIF into a dynamic force for commercialising cutting-edge technology and intellectual property originating from the University’s academics and researchers.

2025 Investor Conference

2025 Investor Conference: A Showcase of Groundbreaking Innovation from The Northern Triangle

CareLoop secures £1.8m funding to provide preventative care

CareLoop, a digital therapeutic platform and University of Manchester spinout that focuses on tackling severe mental illness, has closed a £1.8m funding round from the GMC Life Sciences Fund By Praetura, NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance (which is managed by Praetura Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund), Verge and SFC Capital.

SmartIR’s Graphene Smart Radiator Launches on SpaceX Falcon 9

SmartIR, a spinout originating from The University of Manchester, has taken a significant step in advancing space technology. On Tuesday 14th January 2025, SmartIR’s graphene adaptive radiator launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Transporter-12 as part of Mission 2, an important collaboration with Hydra Space and Alba Orbital.

Fotenix Secures Fund:AI Investment to Revolutionise Farming with AI

Watercycle Technologies Secures Funding to Unlock the UK’s Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Watercycle Technologies Ltd, a University of Manchester Innovation Factory spinout, announced a significant investment to rapidly scale up and commercially deploy its technology to deliver sustainable, low-cost, high-yield mineral recovery systems.

Universities, founders and investors get behind Government’s spinout boom ambition

 Universities, founders and investors have thrown their weight behind the Government’s bid to boost growth by converting more of the UK’s world-leading research into successful businesses at the One Year, One Mission event at the Tate Modern to mark the anniversary of the Independent Review of Spinouts.

Apini Secures Major Investment as Part of Slingshot Therapeutics Launch

Apini, a spinout from The University of Manchester and the first programme launched through newly formed Slingshot Therapeutics Limited (“Slingshot”), is poised to accelerate the development of its promising small molecule therapy for inflammatory diseases.

Innovation Factory announces strong end of year results

The University of Manchester Innovation Factory (UoMIF) has announced promising end-of-year results for the 2023/24 financial year despite challenging market conditions.

Manchester launches ‘Sister’, a new innovation district

Manchester’s new £1.7bn innovation district and neighbourhood opens the doors to its first building, while unveiling its new name as Sister. 

The Skin Diary acquires CGSkin in mission to shake up skincare space

The Skin Diary, the anti-ageing skincare solutions provider, has acquired CGSkin Limited, a spinout born from the collaborative efforts of The University of Manchester and renowned dermatologists, Dr Tamara Griffiths and Professor Chris Griffiths. 

CCF RED: New project receives funding to boost regional innovation in Greater Manchester

A collaborative project aimed at strengthening the commercialisation of research in Manchester and Salford has been awarded funding through the Connecting Capability Fund (CCF) from the Research England Development (RED) Fund.

University of Manchester recognised for spinout best practice by Research England

The University of Manchester is proud to be included in the initial list of adopting institutions for the UK Government's spinout best practices, as published today by Research England, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Watercycle Technologies Selected to Demonstrate Cutting-Edge Lithium Recovery Technology in Chile

Watercycle Technologies Ltd, a spinout from The University of Manchester, is a UK-based climate tech company specialising in developing high-yield, low-cost mineral recovery systems. 

University of Manchester Continues to be a National Leader in Knowledge Exchange

The University of Manchester has achieved the highest possible score for its work with intellectual property and commercialisation, research partnerships and public and community engagement and the Innovation Factory has been recognised with the highest rating in IP and Commercialisation in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) rating by Research England.

Academic to Entrepreneur: Creating Impact with Your Research

An Interview with Marion Bernard, CIO at Northern Gritstone

Recognition for Freddy Guemeni as a World Leader in IP Strategy by IAM 300

AI’s Role in Emerging Technologies

Artificial intelligence has significantly shaped our vision for the future, not only in it’s more traditional forms but also in the other critical areas such as Renewables/Sustainability, Biotech/Healthcare Innovations, and AR/VR. Find out how it is improving the world around us.

Celebrating Our Role in UoM’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings Success

Independent Review of University Spinout Companies

The University of Manchester welcomes the Independent Review of University Spinout Companies, published in November 2023, which provides important guidance on the pathway to building a world-leading innovation ecosystem.

Boosting UK Software Spinouts

Universities and investors have joined forces to boost the number of software spinouts from academic innovations by recommending faster deals with less friction, built for rapid scaling.

Music in Mind Remote launches UK first centre of excellence

Music in Mind Remote, a spinout company from The University of Manchester’s Innovation Factory, has been awarded over £1m for the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Music and Dementia hosted by Manchester Camerata.

Clin-e-cal's ClipTone System Receives Overwhelming Praise from Focus Group

This World Asthma Day, we're shining a light on The University of Manchester's respiratory solutions spinout, Clin-e-cal, and their groundbreaking innovation: the ClipTone System.

UoM researchers unveil cutting-edge ruthenium catalyst

Researchers at The University of Manchester have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in catalyst technology.

Phagenesis, a UoM Spinout, closes a $42M Financing Round

Phagenesis, a medical device company specialising in the treatment of swallowing disorders, successfully closes a $42M Series D financing round led by EQT Life Sciences and Sectoral Asset Management.

TenU announces new Chair

TenU, the international collaboration of ten technology transfer offices (TTOs) of the world’s leading universities, today announces the appointment of Tim Haines, Executive Partner and Managing Director at Abingworth LLP, a leading global life sciences venture investment firm, as its new Chair.

SmartIR introduces SmartSat

In a groundbreaking venture at the intersection of aerospace innovation and infrared technology, SmartIR proudly introduces SmartSat: a two-year project set to redefine spacecraft thermal control.

MATcelerate ZERO - A Unique Partnership to Accelerate Climate Solutions

Introducing MATcelerate ZERO: Accelerating Carbon Net-Zero Through Advanced Materials

PharmaKure win: MHRA Grants Clinical Trial Authorisation

UoM IP attracts largest European semiconductor funding round

Prof Graham Lord Joins Innovation Factory Board

Professor Graham Lord, the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester, has joined the Board of the University’s Innovation Factory.

Introducing Pellamex - A Drink For Your Dry Skin

Curapel introduces their latest product, Pellamex – a breakthrough nutritional supplement for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin.

Revolutionary Breakthrough in 2D Material Transfer

This revolutionary advancement in 2D material transfer, brought to you by the 2D Courier team, promises to reshape the landscape of electronic device commercialisation.

Independent Review of University Spinout Companies: The University of Manchester Response

The University of Manchester welcomes the Independent Review of University Spinout Companies published today (21st November).

PharmaKure Submits MHRA Clinical Trial Application

PharmaKure submits MHRA CTA for Phase 2a Clinical Trial of PK051 in patients with mild cognitive impairment 

UoM (and the Innovation Factory) secure £2.7m through Research England

The University of Manchester’s Innovation Factory highly rated by Research England

The University of Manchester’s Innovation Factory highly rated by Research England in IP and commercialisation.

Link Biologics and Théa Open Innovation enter partnership to develop Link_TSG6 for Dry Eye Disease

UoM spinout Link Biologics Limited and Théa Open Innovation have announced that they have entered into an agreement to co-develop Link_TSG6 for the treatment of Dry Eye Disease (DED) and other ophthalmology indications.

Commercialise Your Cancer Research - Out of the Lab, and in to the Treatment Room.

Do you have a cancer research project that could improve early diagnosis, treatment or preventative care? Find out here how to commercialise that research in order to bring it to market, and create world-changing impact.

Celebrating collaboration across the Greater Manchester ecosystem

The ERDF Research & Innovation (R&I) Health Accelerator programme is coming to a close, having supported over 60 companies, creating 35 research collaborations and delivering more than 25 events across the city-region and beyond.

Pawel Piotrowicz gives a talk to the DCS on IPRs

Pawel Piotrowicz (UK and European Patent Attorney, Venner Shipley) discusses the why, how and when with regards to protecting your intellectual property in Computer Science.

New independent national report spotlights rapid recent spinout growth

The Royal Academy of Engineering’s annual independent report, Spotlight on Spinouts 2023, reveals that The University of Manchester (UoM) has shown the greatest growth among UK universities in the proportions of their spinout populations in the past two years.

World IP Day: Women and IP

This year, on World IP Day, we celebrate Women and IP. Take a look at some of our ground-breaking female-led projects here.

Leading Universities and Investors Launch Set of Recommendations for the Innovation Sector

The UK’s potential as a Science Superpower has been given a significant boost today with the launch of The USIT Guide, a unique guidance that will accelerate and support the founding of a new generation of start-ups.

Complement Therapeutics Secures €72 Million in Series A Financing

Complement Therapeutics GmbH (CTx), a preclinical stage biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for complement mediated diseases, today announced the completion of a €72 million Series A financing.

CareLoop Health Graduates from KQ LABS, the Digital Health Accelerator Programme

CareLoop Health, a digital therapeutics company using software to transform mental healthcare, has graduated from the esteemed KQ Labs Accelerator Programme.

Two Innovation Factory startups included in leading European top ten list of young tech spinout companies

Two startup businesses from the University of Manchester Innovation Factory have been named in a top ten of ‘university spinouts to watch’. The list is in Sifted, Europe’s influential media monitor of European tech startups.  Backed by the Financial Times, Sifted is the leading media brand for the European startup community.

TenU Appoints New President

TenU, the collaboration of leading UK, US and mainland European technology transfer organisations, has appointed Andrew Wilkinson, CEO of the University of Manchester Innovation Factory, as its new president. Andrew takes over the role from Anne Lane, CEO of UCL’s technology transfer company UCLB.

Recruitment underway for significant asthma technology study at University of Manchester

Recruitment is underway for a significant research study examining how asthma technology, developed by British respiratory health technology start-up Clin-e-cal, influences inhaler technique and asthma symptoms. The randomised clinical study, which is funded through an Asthma + Lung UK and NIHR research grant, is being led by Professor Clare Murray, professor of paediatric respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester, and Asthma Programme Lead at the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre.

Another Impressive Financial Year for Manchester-Born Spinouts

Ten brand new Manchester-based biomedical, science and engineering companies have been created over the past year by The University of Manchester Innovation Factory, producing cutting-edge technology and services which will benefit societies around the world.

CareLoop Health accepted on prestigious digital health accelerator programme

Digital Therapeutics spinout, CareLoop Health, joins KQ Labs programme, for exciting early-stage start-ups using data as a core part of their business model to improve human health.

Watercycle Technologies wins Innovate UK grant for lithium extraction

Watercycle Technologies has won a £500,000 Innovate UK Smart Grant, in partnership with Cornish Lithium, to test its ground-breaking direct lithium extraction (DLE) process in Cornwall.

Innovation Factory signs MoU with SRTIP

The Innovation Factory has recently signed an MoU with SRTIP, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP, which will lead to acceleration of global impact.

MHRA awards Complement Therapeutics Innovation Passport for CTx001 to accelerate Gene Therapy for Geographic Atrophy

Phagenesis Launches Phagenyx Neurostimulation System in the U.S.

Phagenesis Ltd has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a De Novo request for the Phagenyx® Neurostimulation System, a first-of-its-kind therapy that uses pharyngeal electrical stimulation to restore swallowing control in patients with severe dysphagia post stroke. The company is now preparing a targeted launch in the U.S.

Graphene electrode - water molecule splitting

Scientists discover they can pull water molecules apart using graphene electrodes

Investor Conference 2022

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Mi-Trial Launches Innovative New Clinical Trials App And Portal To Improve Trial Participation And Outcomes

Mi-Trial, a new company which has developed an innovative clinical trial companion system and app, has recently spun out from the University of Manchester with support from Elaros 24/7 Limited, Medicines Evaluation Unit Limited and the University of Manchester Innovation Factory.

Northern Gritstone backs spinout, Imperagen: a University of Manchester Life Science Business

Imperagen has developed a unique technology to accelerate the design, optimisation, and validation of novel enzymes for large molecular drug discovery. Northern Gritstone, along with IQ Capital, has led a £3.5 million Seed Round to fund the initial spin out of Imperagen from University of Manchester. 

Watercycle Technologies completes investment round with Aer Ventures

Team at Innovation Factory run for homeless charity, Coffee4Craig

Northern Gritstone secures first close of £215m ahead of making its first investments

Northern Gritstone, the new investment business focused on university spin-outs in the north of England, today announces a first close of £215m having seen strong interest from investors in its proposition.

Complement Therapeutics raises 5 million seed financing

Complement Therapeutics Ltd raises EUR 5 Million Seed Financing by BGV and Forbion and appoints Dr Rafiq Hasan as CEO

ReCon2 are interviewed by Packaging Europe about their recycling revolution

In order to make the plastics value chain truly circular, it’s crucial that the industry is able to measure the level of recycled content in packs accurately and efficiently. Project lead Mike Shaver is interviewed by Europe's innovative packaging publication about revolutionising recycling through quantifying and validating recycled content in plastics and plastic packaging.

Promising novel treatment for Dry Eye Disease revealed by new research

Apply now! BBSRC ICURe Lean Launch (Deadline 28.01.22)

handl Group takes on UoM spinout & wellbeing specialists Robertson Cooper

Leading outsourced services provider, handl Group, has acquired organisational health and wellbeing specialist, Robertson Cooper.