Ever wondered how your research could make a real-world difference? This is where you start.
Research to Reality is a practical, hands-on course for University of Manchester researchers who want to explore the commercial potential of their work. Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship, considering forming a spinout company, or simply want to build your skills in innovation and enterprise, this course gives you the tools, mindset and support to take the next step.
Cohort 2 has finished and we will be posting photos a sharing video content from the participants in the near future. If you are interested in taking part in future Research to Reality cohorts, please contact Eoin Griffin.
Looking back: A bit about Research to Reality Cohort 2
Each session was designed to develop your confidence, sharpen your thinking and turn ideas into action.
1. Programme Induction
Workshop overview.
2. Building Your Business Proposition
Translate your research into a clear, compelling value proposition. Identify stakeholder needs and begin to shape your offer.
3. Evidencing Your Opportunity & Implementing Innovation Tools
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.
4. Business 101
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.
5. Business Models and Financials
Demystify business finances. Learn how to build a simple forecast, identify costs, and understand key financial terms.
6. Finding Funding
Understand how to access grant funding or respond to commercial tenders. Learn what funders and assessors look for, and how to stand out.
7. IP: What’s All the Fuss About?
Learn how to identify, protect and leverage your intellectual property. Explore routes to commercialisation, including licensing and spinouts.
8. Negotiating a Spinout & People Focused Innovation
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.
9. Presentation & Awards
Final event where all cohort participants present a potential commercialisation opportunity based on their research.
Research to Reality is supported by:
