Research to Reality - University of Manchester Innovation Factory

Ever wondered how your research could make a real-world difference? This is where you start.

Registrations are now open for the third cohort of Research to Reality, beginning in February 2027.

Research to Reality is a practical innovation and commercialisation programme designed to help researchers at The University of Manchester explore the commercial potential of their work and understand how their ideas could be developed into real-world applications.

Delivered in partnership with FIS360, the programme offers a series of interactive workshops covering key aspects of research commercialisation, including identifying market opportunities, developing business propositions, understanding intellectual property and communicating ideas to potential partners and investors.

Whether you already have a commercial idea or are simply interested in exploring the possibilities for your research, Research to Reality provides a supportive environment to develop your knowledge, build connections and take the first steps towards commercialisation.

Cohort 3: Programme dates

The programme begins on Wednesday 24 February 2027, with in-person workshops taking place on Wednesday afternoons.

Each session has been designed to develop your confidence, sharpen your thinking and turn ideas into action.

Week 1: 24 Feb. Programme Induction (1 hour online)

Workshop overview.

Week 2: 3 Mar. Building Your Business Proposition (in person, afternoon)

Translate your research into a clear, compelling value proposition. Identify stakeholder needs and begin to shape your offer.

Week 3: 10 Mar. Evidencing Your Opportunity & Implementing Innovation Tools (in person, afternoon)

1. Explore market research techniques and customer engagement. Learn how to validate demand and refine your concept.
2. Use structured tools and canvases to map your ideas, assess gaps, and plan your next steps.

Week 4: 17 Mar. Business 101 (in person, afternoon)

Understand how businesses operate, grow and innovate. Learn about company structures, governance, and the role of leadership.
Explore market research techniques and customer engagement. Learn how to validate demand and refine your concept.

Two week break

Week 5: 7 Apr. Business Models and Financials (in person, afternoon)

Demystify business finances. Learn how to build a simple forecast, identify costs, and understand key financial terms.

Week 6: 14 Apr. Finding Funding (in person, afternoon)

Understand how to access grant funding or respond to commercial tenders. Learn what funders and assessors look for, and how to stand out.

Week 7: 21 Apr. IP: What’s All the Fuss About? (in person, afternoon)

Learn how to identify, protect and leverage your intellectual property. Explore routes to commercialisation, including licensing and spinouts.

Week 8: 28 Apr. Negotiating a Spinout & People Focused Innovation (in person, afternoon)

1. Explore what’s involved in forming a spinout company. Gain insight into legal, financial and strategic considerations.
2. Reflect on how personality and communication styles affect team dynamics, leadership and customer relationships.

Pitch Practice: 5 May (online, 30 minutes)

Week 9: 12 May. Presentation & Awards (in person, afternoon)

Final event where all cohort participants present a potential commercialisation opportunity based on their research.

Post Pitch: 26 May. (online, 2 hours)